NAFDAC ALERTS AGAINST CHEMICALS USED TO RIPEN FRUITS
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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Adamawa State has cautioned fruit vendors against using chemicals to ripen fruits and urged consumers to be wary.
NAFDAC Coordinator in the state, Gonzuk Bedima, issued the warning during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Yola on Thursday.
He pointed out that calcium carbide, a chemical commonly used in welding, is frequently used to ripen fruits, especially bananas and oranges. Bedima warned that this chemical could lead to cancer in any part of the body.
He mentioned that NAFDAC had previously educated fruit sellers about the dangers of using such chemicals and plans to continue this campaign, particularly with the upcoming fasting season, when many people buy fruits for their homes.
The coordinator urged consumers to be cautious and avoid purchasing fruits ripened with chemicals due to the potential health risks. He explained that fruits treated with calcium carbide may appear ripe on the outside, but they are often under-ripe on the inside.
“If you suspect such fruits, avoid buying them, as they are dangerous to your health,” he said, encouraging the public to report them to NAFDAC to prevent others from consuming them.
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