The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to fruit dealers and sellers against using calcium carbide for artificial fruit ripening.
This cautionary move comes as Ramadan fasting approaches, a period marked by increased fruit consumption.
According to Mr. Abdulsalam Lawal, NAFDAC Coordinator in Sokoto state, the use of calcium carbide poses severe health risks, including kidney damage, cancer, hypertension, and even terminal diseases. “With Ramadan fasting approaching, a period of increased fruit consumption, using calcium carbide to hasten the fruits ripening is hazardous to our health,” Lawal stated.
Lawal emphasized that only welders are permitted to use calcium carbide for specific tasks, such as melting iron, and that NAFDAC would increase surveillance to prevent its misuse. Fruits like mangoes, bananas, pawpaws, and watermelons are commonly ripened with calcium carbide in the region.
NAFDAC has demonstrated safer alternatives for ripening fruits in commercial quantities without posing harm to consumers.
He therefore charged citizens to be at alert and report suspected artificial ripening of fruits to the agency for prompt action.
Alhaji Bello Danda, Chairman of the Association of Fruits Marketers and Distributors in Sokoto advised fellow traders to adopt hygienic methods at all times.