The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the use of Calcium Carbide, a hazardous chemical, to artificially ripen fruits for commercial purposes.
The NAFDAC Coordinator in Sokoto State, Mr. Abdulsalam Lawal, revealed the findings on Thursday, warning fruit vendors and sellers against the unsafe practice. He highlighted that such actions pose serious risks to public health, especially during the ongoing Ramadan fasting period, when fruit consumption naturally increases.
According to Lawal, consuming fruits ripened with calcium carbide can result in severe health complications, including kidney damage, cancer, hypertension, and other terminal illnesses. He emphasized that the chemical is strictly meant for industrial use, such as melting iron by welders, and its use on food products is illegal and highly dangerous.
“During Ramadan, when fruit consumption rises, using calcium carbide to hasten ripening is a serious public health hazard,” Lawal stated.
The NAFDAC official further disclosed that fruits most commonly treated with calcium carbide in the region include mangoes, bananas, pawpaw, and watermelons. He reassured the public that NAFDAC would intensify its surveillance and enforcement measures to ensure the chemical is used only for legitimate industrial purposes and not sold to fruit vendors.
Lawal urged all fruit dealers and sellers to adopt safe and approved methods for ripening fruits, prioritizing consumers’ health and wellbeing. He also called on consumers to be vigilant, encouraging them to report vendors suspected of using harmful chemicals.
NAFDAC’s warning serves as a timely reminder that food safety is paramount, especially during periods of increased consumption such as Ramadan. The agency continues to monitor markets to prevent the use of illegal chemicals that could compromise public health.
