One of the main mechanisms of action of ethylene scavengers is based on the use of potassium
permanganate, which oxidizes ethylene to carbon dioxide and water. The typical permanganate content is between 4%and 6% (Abe and Watada 1991). Potassium permanganate oxidizes ethylene and changes color
from purple to brown, and thus, a color change indicates its residual ethylene absorbing capacity, but because
of its toxicity potassium permanganate cannot be used in direct contact with food.