Consumer protection agency warns Nigerians against consuming fruits ripened with chemicals
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned Nigerians against consuming fruits ripened with calcium carbide, describing the practice as a major health risk.
The Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, Mr Olatunji Bello, gave the warning on Monday, August 25 at a one-day sensitisation programme on food quality standards, organised by the agency in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Bello, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Quality Assurance, Mrs Nkechi Mba, frowned at the increasing sale of adulterated and contaminated foods in the markets. The FCCPC boss lamented that perpetrators of such acts were putting the lives of many innocent Nigerians at great risk. He promised that the agency would not allow those responsible for such heinous acts to go scot-free.
According to him, the sensitisation programme is the first step towards putting unsuspecting people on alert, and send red signal to “defiant” perpetrators. He disclosed that a total enforcement of the law has commenced, noting that the agency would not shy away from performing its roles. Bello said the FCCPC has the statutory responsibility to protect, promote the interests and welfare of consumers at all times.
He stated, “The issues of food quality standards, safety and fair business practices are more pressing than ever, but we continue to see alarming trends.
“Such alarming trends include principally, the forceful ripening of fruits, using harmful chemicals, such as calcium carbide, which contains trace amounts of arsenic and phosphorus, both of which are highly toxic to humans.
“These practices not only endanger the lives of millions of Nigerians, but they also erode consumer trust and sabotage the integrity of our food systems.”
He said that the agency was collaborating with other agencies, like the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Federal Ministries of Health and Agriculture, to ensure strict compliance. He advised consumers to also watch carefully what they buy in the markets or on farms.
To prove his point, he disclosed that through regular market surveys, the FCCPC had been able to intervene in numerous cases involving hazardous food practices and had shut down facilities, imposed sanctions, and prosecuted offenders, where necessary.
The agency’s Director, Consumer and Business Education, Mr Yahaya Kudan, said the sensitisation programme was a testament to the agency’s dedication to educating and empowering consumers, farmers, vendors and other stakeholders involved in the food supply chain. Stakeholders at the event included NAFDAC, SON, Federal and Ekiti State Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Trade, Commerce and Investment, as well as Ekiti Consumer Protection Commission. The stakeholders also included All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Yam Farmers Association and Cassava Growers.
For LIB readers: calcium carbide is commonly used to force-ripen fruits quickly; regulators warn it can leave harmful residues. Practical tips include buying from trusted sellers, avoiding fruits with unnaturally uniform color or a chemical smell, washing thoroughly under running water, and peeling thick-skinned fruits before eating.
