…. Former VP Says Unexplained Headaches Prompted Testing Of Fresh Juice Consumed Daily
….Raises Alarm Over Chemicals Allegedly Used To Ripen, Preserve Fruits In Nigeria
Daud Olatunji
Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has raised concerns over food safety in Nigeria after laboratory analysis reportedly found that freshly squeezed orange juice consumed by his wife, Dolapo, was unfit for human consumption.
Osinbajo disclosed this while speaking at the Open Day of the Gardeners’ Seminar, themed “Leaving the Earth Better Than We Found It,” held in Lagos on August 28.
According to the former vice-president, his wife had abandoned carbonated drinks for freshly squeezed orange juice, believing the natural alternative was healthier.
However, he said she subsequently began experiencing unexplained headaches after making the juice part of her daily routine.
Osinbajo said Dolapo reviewed the food and drinks she consumed in an attempt to identify the possible cause of the headaches before sending a sample of the orange juice to a laboratory for testing.
He said the laboratory result showed that the juice was not fit for human consumption.
“The results came back. It showed that the orange juice freshly squeezed was not fit for human consumption,” Osinbajo said.
The former vice-president, however, did not disclose the name of the laboratory, the specific substance allegedly detected in the juice or provide details of the test report.
‘Fresh does not always mean safe’
Osinbajo used the experience to draw attention to what he described as potential dangers associated with the use and misuse of chemicals across Nigeria’s food supply chain.
He alleged that some farmers and traders use pesticides and other chemicals in the production, ripening and preservation of fruits and vegetables.
He specifically raised concerns about the use of calcium carbide to accelerate the ripening of fruits such as bananas, mangoes, pawpaw and tomatoes.
He also mentioned chemicals including Sniper, phosphite, DDT and brodifacoum, alleging that some of these substances had been used in parts of the food supply chain.
Osinbajo cited studies which, according to him, documented the use of chemicals among fruit and vegetable sellers in Ekiti, Oyo and Lagos states.
He said a 2024 study in Ekiti found that 10 out of 20 fruit sellers interviewed admitted using calcium carbide, while a separate study in Oyo reportedly found that 25 per cent of surveyed fruit sellers admitted using the substance.
He further said a 2023 survey involving 50 fruit and vegetable retailers in Lagos found that 22 admitted using chemicals to preserve their produce.
The former vice-president warned that consumers should not equate freshness or natural appearance with safety.
“So, the fact that fruit looks fresh doesn’t mean that it is safe,” he said.
He added that a drink being natural did not necessarily guarantee that it was free from harmful substances introduced during production, transportation, handling or processing.
WHO warns about pesticide exposure
The World Health Organisation has warned that pesticides can be toxic to humans, with the potential health risks depending on factors including the type of chemical, the quantity involved and the route of exposure.
The organisation says pesticide residues may remain on food where agricultural chemicals are not applied in accordance with approved practices.
It recommends monitoring food for pesticide residues and enforcing maximum residue limits intended to protect consumers.
WHO also advises consumers to wash or peel fruits and vegetables where appropriate, noting that washing can help reduce pesticide residues and other contaminants.
Osinbajo seeks tougher enforcement
Osinbajo called for stronger regulation and enforcement across Nigeria’s food production, processing and distribution chain.
He urged farmers and traders to adopt safer methods of producing, preserving and handling food, while calling for increased public awareness of food safety risks.
He also encouraged consumers to ask questions about how fruits and vegetables are produced and handled, wash produce properly and report suspected unsafe practices to relevant authorities.
His warning comes amid growing concerns over food safety, agricultural chemical use, nutrition and sustainable food production in Nigeria and across Africa.
The former vice-president’s account has also renewed attention on the need for stronger surveillance and enforcement throughout the journey of food from farms and markets to consumers.
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