Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has disclosed that laboratory tests on freshly squeezed orange juice consumed by his wife, Dolapo, found it unfit for human consumption.

Osinbajo made the disclosure while speaking at the Open Day for Gardeners’ Seminar, themed “Leaving The Earth Better Than We Found It,” held in Lagos on August 28.

He said his wife had switched from carbonated drinks to fresh orange juice but later began experiencing unexplained headaches.

According to him, she examined other foods and drinks she consumed without finding an explanation before sending a batch of the orange juice for laboratory testing.

“The results came back. It showed that the orange juice, freshly squeezed, was not fit for human consumption,” Osinbajo said.

The former Vice President said the incident highlighted wider concerns over the use of hazardous chemicals by some farmers and fruit sellers to ripen and preserve produce.

He specifically mentioned calcium carbide, as well as other substances including gamma-lin-20, sniper and phosphite, which he described as toxic.

Osinbajo cited studies indicating that some fruit sellers admitted using chemicals on produce, including a 2023 Lagos survey in which 22 of 50 retailers acknowledged using chemicals to preserve fruits and vegetables.

He warned that the appearance of food or fruit should not be taken as proof of its safety, stressing that harmful substances could be introduced at different stages between the farm and the consumer.

The former Vice President called for stronger regulation and enforcement, greater public awareness and education for farmers and traders on safer alternatives.

He also urged consumers to question sellers, inspect produce carefully and report suspicious practices to the appropriate authorities.