NAFDAC warns traders against using Chemicals to ripen fruits
NAFDAC warns traders against using Chemicals to ripen fruits
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has warned fruit dealers and sellers against using Calcium Carbide on fruit ripening for commercial purposes.
The warning was made by the NAFDAC Coordinator in Sokoto State, Mr Abdulsalam Lawal, during a public awareness campaign at fruits market on Thursday in Sokoto.
Lawal urged fruit dealers and sellers to stop the dangerous practice, which he said was harmful, stressing that it posed serious risks to public health.
He warned that the use of calcium carbide could lead to severe health issues, including kidney damage, cancer, hypertension, and even terminal diseases.
” With Ramadan fasting, a period of increased fruit consumption, using calcium carbide to hasten the fruits ripening is hazardous to our health,” Lawal stated.
He explained that only welders were permitted to use calcium carbide for tasks such as melting iron, and that NAFDAC would increase surveillance to ensure that it’s being used properly and not sold to fruit vendors.
He said fruits such as mango, banana, pawpaw, water melon and others were mostly ripened with calcium carbide in the areas.
The coordinator highlighted the health risks associated with consumption of artificially ripened fruits.
He further explained the distinguishing features between naturally ripened fruits and calcium carbide-ripened fruits, emphasising the need to strengthen compliance and promote safe food handling practices across Sokoto State.
Alhaji Bello Danda, Chairman of the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Marketers and Distributors in Sokoto, advised fellow sellers to adopt hygienic methods at all times.
Danda warned that violators of the process would face penalties.
He demonstrated how bananas, and watermelons and others could be ripened safely in commercial quantities without posing harm to consumers.
Da da added that the fruits market was widely patronised by people from all parts of Nigeria as well as neighbouring countries.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ongoing awareness exercise commenced from Feb. 16, and the NAFDAC team had held discussions with marketers at various locations on related issues.(NAN)
