NAFDAC Issues Warning Over Chemical Ripening of Fruits

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to fruit vendors in Adamawa State, urging them to refrain from using harmful chemicals to artificially ripen fruits. The agency has also called on consumers to be more discerning when purchasing fresh produce. 

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Yola, Gonzuk Bedima, NAFDAC’s Coordinator for Adamawa, revealed that calcium carbide, a chemical primarily used in welding, is the most commonly misused substance for ripening fruits, particularly bananas and oranges.

Bedima explained that exposure to calcium carbide poses significant health risks, including an increased likelihood of developing cancer. He also emphasised that fruits treated with this chemical often appear ripe on the outside, yet remain unripe and unsafe on the inside.

Highlighting NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to educate fruit vendors, Bedima confirmed that the agency had previously engaged with fruit sellers in the region and plans to continue raising awareness, particularly with the approach of the fasting season, when demand for fresh fruit tends to rise.

Consumers were urged to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing fruits that may have been ripened with chemicals. “If you notice any fruits that seem unnaturally ripe or suspicious, please refrain from buying them and report them to NAFDAC immediately,” Bedima added.