NAFDAC Issues Warning Against Chemical-Ripened Fruits in Adamawa State
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to fruit vendors in Adamawa State concerning the use of harmful chemicals to ripen fruits. Gonzuk Bedima, the NAFDAC Coordinator in the state, emphasized the need for both sellers and consumers to exercise caution during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Yola on Thursday.
Bedima identified calcium carbide as the most frequently used ripening agent, particularly for bananas and oranges. He noted that this chemical, commonly utilized in welding processes, poses significant health risks, including a potential link to cancer.
To raise awareness, Bedima explained that NAFDAC has been actively educating market leaders among fruit sellers and plans to intensify these efforts, especially with the upcoming fasting season when fruit purchases typically surge.
He urged consumers to remain alert and refrain from buying fruits that may have been artificially ripened with chemicals, highlighting the associated health dangers. According to Bedima, while fruits treated with calcium carbide may look perfectly ripe on the outside, they often remain unripe on the inside.
“If you suspect any fruits have been ripened using such methods, it is best to avoid purchasing them as they could be hazardous to your health,” he advised. Bedima also encouraged the public to report any suspicious produce to NAFDAC to help protect others from potential harm.
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