The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a strong warning to fruit vendors in Sokoto and beyond regarding the dangerous practice of using calcium carbide to ripen fruits. This practice, commonly employed to speed up the ripening process of fruits like mangoes, bananas, pawpaws, and watermelons, has raised grave concerns due to its potential harm to public health.
NAFDAC’s Coordinator in Sokoto, Mr. Abdulsalam Lawal, made this declaration during a public awareness campaign held at the bustling fruit market in Sokoto on Monday. Lawal stressed that the use of calcium carbide—an industrial chemical typically reserved for welding and other industrial purposes—poses serious health risks, including kidney damage, cancer, hypertension, and other life-threatening illnesses.
“Fruit vendors who continue to use calcium carbide are not only endangering the health of consumers but also jeopardizing their own businesses,” Lawal warned, as he addressed fruit sellers at the crowded marketplace. He emphasized that the use of such chemicals for ripening fruits is not only illegal but highly detrimental, urging the public to adopt safer, more natural alternatives to ripen fruits without compromising public health.
The warning from NAFDAC comes at a crucial time as Ramadan approaches—a period marked by heightened fruit consumption in Nigeria. Lawal added that during this fasting period, many Nigerians consume an increased amount of fruits after breaking their fast, making it even more important to ensure that ripened fruits are safe for consumption.
“Using calcium carbide to ripen fruits just before Ramadan, when fruit consumption is at its peak, poses a grave risk to public health,” Lawal said, warning that this harmful practice could lead to irreversible health damage. “The chemical is not designed for food consumption and can cause a wide range of health problems, including organ damage.”
A Silent but Deadly Threat
Calcium carbide, a chemical compound used in welding, has been found to accelerate the ripening process of fruits by releasing acetylene gas when in contact with moisture. However, the use of this chemical in food ripening is banned in several countries due to its toxic effects. Despite this, many local fruit vendors continue to use it to make their products appear ripe and ready for sale, often without understanding the serious risks involved.
The dangers of calcium carbide extend beyond the potential for poisoning and long-term health complications. According to health experts, the chemical is particularly hazardous when consumed in large amounts, as it can disrupt the body’s normal metabolic processes. It has been linked to respiratory issues, digestive problems, and even cancer.
In Sokoto, a region where tropical fruits such as mangoes and bananas are in high demand, the illegal practice of using calcium carbide has persisted for years, largely due to the lack of awareness and regulation. NAFDAC’s public awareness campaign is part of a broader effort to educate vendors on the hazards of calcium carbide and to offer safer, more sustainable alternatives for ripening fruits.
NAFDAC Steps Up Surveillance
In a bid to clamp down on this practice, NAFDAC has pledged to increase its surveillance across Sokoto and other states, ensuring that calcium carbide is not being sold to fruit vendors. Lawal explained that the chemical is meant exclusively for industrial applications, such as welding, and is not authorized for use in food processing. He further warned that any vendor caught using calcium carbide to ripen fruits would face severe penalties.
“We will intensify our surveillance and take strict action against anyone found in violation of this ban,” he said, adding that NAFDAC is working closely with local authorities to ensure that the public is fully informed of the dangers of using unapproved chemicals in food preparation.
NAFDAC’s efforts are in line with its broader mission to safeguard public health by regulating food and drug products in Nigeria. The agency has previously conducted similar campaigns in other parts of the country, warning the public about the dangers of unapproved chemicals in food processing and urging vendors to use safer methods.
Support from Local Stakeholders
Alhaji Bello Danda, the Chairman of the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Marketers and Distributors in Sokoto, also weighed in on the issue, supporting NAFDAC’s stance against the use of calcium carbide. He urged his colleagues in the market to adopt safer, more hygienic methods of ripening fruits.
“We need to prioritize the health and safety of our customers,” Danda said, standing next to a stall displaying fresh mangoes and bananas. “There are safer ways to ripen fruits without risking our customers’ well-being, and it is our responsibility as fruit vendors to ensure that we do not endanger public health.”
Danda demonstrated how fruits like mangoes and watermelons can be ripened using natural methods, such as using ethylene gas or placing fruits in controlled temperature environments, without the need for harmful chemicals.
He acknowledged that while calcium carbide may offer a quick and cost-effective solution for ripening fruits, it is ultimately a dangerous practice that could have far-reaching consequences for both consumers and sellers. Danda also warned that any vendors found guilty of using calcium carbide could face penalties, including the loss of their business licenses.
Ongoing Awareness Campaign
The NAFDAC team’s public awareness campaign, which began on February 18, has so far reached various markets across Sokoto state. NAFDAC has engaged with fruit sellers, health workers, and local authorities to address the issue of artificial ripening and educate the public on the dangers of using calcium carbide. The agency is also exploring ways to provide vendors with training on safer, more sustainable alternatives to calcium carbide for fruit ripening.
As NAFDAC continues its campaign, fruit vendors and consumers alike are being urged to make informed choices that will protect their health and the well-being of their families.
“With Ramadan fast approaching, it is crucial that we all remain vigilant and ensure that the fruits we consume are safe and free from harmful chemicals,” Lawal concluded. “Our priority is to protect the health of all Nigerians, and we will continue to work tirelessly to eliminate this dangerous practice from our markets.”
The awareness campaign is expected to continue throughout the year, with NAFDAC planning further engagements in other parts of the country. As awareness spreads, it is hoped that fruit vendors across Nigeria will adopt safer and more sustainable practices, putting public health first.
