The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned fruit sellers in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State against the use of calcium carbide to artificially ripen fruits, warning that the practice poses serious health risks.
The warning was issued on Friday during a sensitisation exercise by the agency, following reports that some fruits in the area were suspected to have been ripened with the banned chemical.
Speaking during the exercise, NAFDAC’s Gombe State Coordinator, Pharmacist James Agada, stressed that while fruits are vital sources of nutrients that strengthen immunity and help prevent diseases, artificially ripened fruits can expose consumers to life-threatening complications.
“Calcium carbide poses serious health risks to consumers. Our intervention seeks to protect public health by encouraging fruit sellers to adopt safe practices,” Agada said.
He explained that one way to detect such fruits is by observing their physical characteristics. For instance, fruits ripened with calcium carbide often appear yellow on the outside but remain unripe inside. Bananas and plantains with completely yellow skins but dark stems are common examples. Naturally ripened fruits usually show brown or black spots, while artificially ripened ones peel off quickly and sometimes contain traces of powdery substances.
Agada listed the possible health complications from consuming calcium carbide-ripened fruits to include cancer, kidney and liver failure, heart conditions, skin damage, ulcers, irritation of the mouth and nose, persistent thirst, and general body weakness.
He urged fruit sellers to prioritise the health of consumers by embracing natural ripening methods and assured that NAFDAC will continue to sensitise and monitor food practices in the state to ensure compliance with safety standards.
