FCCPC warns: Some fruits in the market are ripened with toxic chemicals!

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has raised alarm over the growing health risks linked to the consumption of fruits ripened with toxic chemicals such as calcium carbide.

Speaking during a food quality sensitization program in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, the FCCPC Executive Chairman and CEO, Mr. Olatunji Bello—represented by the Director of Quality Assurance, Mrs. Nkechi Mba—condemned the increasing spread of adulterated and contaminated foods in Nigerian markets.

“These practices are not only endangering the lives of millions of Nigerians but also eroding consumer trust and sabotaging the integrity of our food system,” Bello stated. He explained that calcium carbide, often used to force fruit ripening, contains harmful traces of arsenic and phosphorus, posing severe health hazards to consumers.

Bello revealed that the FCCPC has already launched full-scale enforcement operations to curb the menace. “We will not allow those responsible for such dangerous acts to go unpunished,” he warned, noting that ongoing crackdowns include market surveys, facility closures, sanctions, and prosecutions.

The FCCPC boss further stressed that the agency is working closely with the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Ministries of Health and Agriculture to enforce food safety standards nationwide. He urged consumers to remain vigilant and report suspicious practices when purchasing fruits and other produce.

Also speaking at the event, FCCPC’s Director of Consumer and Business Education, Mr. Yahaya Kudan, emphasized the agency’s commitment to educating and protecting Nigerians. “This program is a testament to our dedication to empowering stakeholders across the food supply chain, from farmers to vendors and consumers,” he said.

The sensitization program, covered by the News Agency of Nigeria, featured the participation of key stakeholders, including NAFDAC, SON, Ekiti State Ministries of Agriculture, Health, and Trade, as well as farmers’ associations such as the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Yam Farmers Association, and Cassava Growers.

The FCCPC advised Nigerians to carefully examine fruits before consumption and report cases of suspected artificial ripening. According to the agency, consumer vigilance is vital in safeguarding public health and ensuring compliance with food safety standards across the country.