The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has uncovered the use of calcium carbide, a hazardous industrial chemical, in the artificial ripening of fruits sold to consumers, warning that the practice poses grave health risks, particularly during the Ramadan fasting period.
The agency’s Coordinator in Sokoto State, Mr Abdulsalam Lawal, disclosed this on Thursday, cautioning fruit dealers and vendors to immediately desist from the illegal act or face regulatory sanctions.
Lawal expressed concern that fruit consumption typically rises during Ramadan, making unsuspecting consumers more vulnerable to the dangers associated with chemically ripened produce.
“With Ramadan fasting, a period of increased fruit consumption, using calcium carbide to hasten fruit ripening is hazardous to our health,” he said.
According to him, exposure to calcium carbide can result in serious health complications, including kidney damage, hypertension, cancer and other life-threatening ailments.
He stressed that calcium carbide is strictly meant for industrial purposes, particularly by welders for tasks such as metal cutting and iron melting, and not for food processing.
The NAFDAC official revealed that fruits such as mangoes, bananas, pawpaw and watermelon are among those commonly subjected to artificial ripening with the chemical in some markets.
Lawal warned that the agency would intensify surveillance and enforcement operations to ensure that calcium carbide is not diverted for food-related use.
He added that regulatory officers would also monitor the distribution channels of the substance to prevent its sale to fruit vendors.
NAFDAC urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious practices, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that food items in circulation meet safety standards.
The agency maintained that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with existing food and drug regulations.
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