By Faridat Salifu
The Nigerian Senate has intensified efforts at combating the health dangers posed by the widespread use of toxic chemicals in the artificial ripening of fruits across the country.
At a plenary session last Wednesday, Senator Ani Okorie (Ebonyi South) sponsored a motion highlighting the urgent need to curb the use of harmful substances such as calcium carbide, which are commonly employed by fruit vendors to hasten ripening.
Senator Okorie explained that fruit ripening is a natural physiological process that enhances the taste, aroma, and nutritional value of fruits.
However, commercial pressures and the desire to maximize profits have led many fruit sellers to adopt unsafe chemical alternatives.
“Safe ripening agents like ethylene and methyl jasmonate are known but are often expensive. This has driven unscrupulous vendors to use cheaper but dangerous chemicals such as calcium carbide, ethylene glycol, and ethephon—many of which are banned in several countries,” Okorie said.
The senator warned that calcium carbide is particularly hazardous because it contains deadly impurities including arsenic and lead.
These toxic substances have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, kidney failure, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Okorie stressed that the continued use of these chemicals poses a significant public health risk.
“The sad reality is that many Nigerians are unknowingly consuming fruits treated with poisonous chemicals disguised as fresh produce,” he said. “This practice must be stopped to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our citizens.”
The motion calls on the Nigerian government to enact stringent regulations and enforcement mechanisms to ban the use of such hazardous chemicals in fruit ripening.
It also urges relevant agencies to increase public awareness about the dangers of consuming artificially ripened fruits treated with toxic substances.
Senators are expected to deliberate on the motion and consider legislative actions aimed at eliminating the use of these harmful chemicals, protecting consumers, and promoting safer, more natural fruit ripening methods.