- The public has been advised to report any such cases to NAFDAC
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Adamawa has cautioned fruit dealers against using chemicals to ripen fruits and urged consumers to be vigilant.
Speaking in Yola on Thursday, Mr. Gonzuk Bedima, the agency’s Coordinator in Adamawa, identified calcium carbide—the chemical predominantly used in welding—as the main agent employed to ripen fruits such as bananas and mangoes.
Mr. Bedima warned that calcium carbide can cause serious health issues, including cancer and other terminal diseases. He noted that fruits treated with the chemical often appear fully ripe on the outside while remaining unripe internally, posing a hidden danger to consumers.
NAFDAC has previously educated fruit sellers on the risks of chemical ripening and plans to intensify its awareness campaign, especially with the upcoming fasting season when fruit purchases typically surge.
The public has been advised not to buy or consume fruits suspected of chemical treatment and to report any such cases to NAFDAC.The public has been advised to report any such cases to NAFDAC.
Discussion about this post