The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to fruit dealers and sellers in Sokoto state against using calcium carbide to ripen fruits for commercial purposes. This warning was delivered by the NAFDAC Coordinator in Sokoto, Mr. Abdulsalam Lawal, during a public awareness campaign held at a local fruit market on Monday.
Lawal urged fruit sellers to discontinue the dangerous practice, emphasizing the serious health risks associated with the use of calcium carbide. He explained that the chemical could lead to severe health conditions such as kidney damage, cancer, hypertension, and other terminal diseases.
“With the Ramadan fasting period approaching, which usually sees increased fruit consumption, the use of calcium carbide to hasten the ripening of fruits is hazardous to public health,” Lawal cautioned.
He clarified that only welders are allowed to use calcium carbide for tasks like melting iron, not for ripening fruits. He also assured that NAFDAC would step up its surveillance efforts to ensure proper use of the chemical and prevent its sale to fruit vendors.
Common fruits like mango, banana, pawpaw, and watermelon are often ripened with calcium carbide in the region, according to Lawal.
Alhaji Bello Danda, Chairman of the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Marketers and Distributors in Sokoto, supported NAFDAC’s stance, urging fellow sellers to adopt hygienic and safe methods for ripening fruits. He warned that anyone caught violating the regulations would face penalties.
Danda also demonstrated how fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and watermelons could be safely ripened in commercial quantities without using harmful chemicals, ensuring consumer safety.
The fruit market in Sokoto is a major hub, attracting customers from across Nigeria and neighboring countries. The ongoing awareness campaign, which began on February 18, has seen NAFDAC engage with marketers at various locations to address these health concerns.
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