Food safety is a global concern and Bangladesh is no exception. In last few decades, fruit and fruit processing
industries have grown rapidly in Bangladesh. To achieve maximum quality in terms of visual appearance, texture,
flavor and nutritional value, fruits must be harvested at proper maturity. However, after harvesting, rapid
ripening of fruits is responsible for short shelf life. This problem can be addressed either by using preservatives or
ripening manipulation. Because of its low cost and availability, Formaldehyde has been widely used as
preservatives in Bangladesh despite very hazardous health impacts. Other impure food ripening agents like
commercial-grade Calcium carbide is also being used to make the harvesting faster for quicker revenue. These all
attributes to very severe health concerns including cancer, male sterility and many more. Considering current
situation in Bangladesh, artificially delaying fruit ripening seems to be a promising alternative to overcome the
crisis and this is also being practiced in several countries. Fruit ripening process requires production of ethylene
during the process and ripening of fruit can be delayed by inhibiting ethylene activity. There are several chemical
compounds that can be used as inhibitors of ethylene activity without any significant change in quality and health
concern. Here, we present a small review on ethylene inhibitors focusing on scope, prospects, safety and potential
of using that in Bangladesh. Some of the promising ripening delaying agents and their effective application doses
are also reported, which might be applicable in Bangladesh as an alternative to the hazardous Formaldehyde or
carbide application.