By Faridat Salifu
the federal competition and consumer protection commission (fccpc) has intensified enforcement against vendors who use calcium carbide to ripen fruits.
executive chairman olatunji bello disclosed this at a one-day sensitisation programme on food quality standards held recently in ado-ekiti, ekiti state.
bello, represented by director of quality assurance nkechi mba, said the use of calcium carbide in food production is illegal and dangerous.
he explained that calcium carbide contains trace amounts of arsenic and phosphorus, both of which are highly toxic to humans.
according to him, these chemicals can cause long-term health problems, including cancer, organ damage and neurological disorders.
bello said recent market surveys by the fccpc have uncovered widespread cases of artificial fruit ripening with harmful substances.
he warned that traders and farmers involved in such practices will face closure of their facilities, monetary sanctions and criminal prosecution.
the commission has already begun shutting down outlets found guilty of selling contaminated produce, he added.
bello noted that food adulteration erodes consumer confidence and undermines nigeria’s agricultural economy.
he emphasised that the fccpc is legally mandated to protect and promote consumer welfare at all times.
the chairman revealed that the agency is partnering with nafdac, the standards organisation of nigeria and the federal ministries of health and agriculture to enforce food safety laws.
he urged consumers to carefully check fruits before purchase, warning that fruits ripened unnaturally may appear unusually bright or soft.
bello said the sensitisation programme was designed to alert the public and send a strong warning to offenders.
director of consumer and business education, yahaya kudan, said the initiative reflects the agency’s commitment to educating farmers, traders and other stakeholders in the food supply chain.
stakeholders present at the event included officials from nafdac, son, federal and ekiti state ministries, the all farmers association of nigeria, yam farmers association and cassava growers.
