Oyo Inaugurates Joint Taskforce To Curb Sale Of Chemically Ripened Fruits

Oyo State government through the Ministry of Health has inaugurated a joint taskforce to strengthen enforcement against the sale of chemically ripened fruits associated with health hazards across markets in the state.

At the inauguration ceremony held at the ministry’s conference room, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said the sharp practices employed by some fruit sellers to artificially ripen fruits pose serious health risks to consumers.

According to her, the inauguration follows the recent seizure of baskets of chemically ripened fruits at a market in Oyo town by officials of the ministry.

She noted that the consumption of such fruits may result in severe health consequences, including cancer and other long-term complications arising from the accumulation of harmful chemicals in the body.

The commissioner reiterated that the core mandate of the ministry remains the protection of the health and well-being of residents, stressing that the establishment of the taskforce became necessary to ensure strict compliance with food safety regulations across fruit markets in the state.

She added that members of the taskforce would collaborate with relevant authorities to enforce existing laws guiding market practices.

In his remarks, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr Akintunde Ayinde, expressed confidence in the capacity of the taskforce members and charged them to approach their responsibilities with integrity, dedication and a strong sense of service to humanity.

Also, the director of food, Water and Laboratory Services, Dr Afusat Akande, disclosed that the joint taskforce comprises representatives from three major associations – Binukonu Foodstuffs Dealers Association, Fruits, Roots Producers and Traders Association, and Ifelagba Fruits Dealers Association.

She cautioned members against using their positions to witch-hunt others, emphasising that all petitions would be thoroughly investigated before any enforcement action is taken.

In his contribution, the national chairman, taskforce for fruit sellers in Nigeria, Alhaji Kamorudeen Olaosebikan, acknowledged that laws prohibiting chemical ripening of fruits are already in place.

He, however, maintained that with the inauguration of the joint task force, anyone found engaging in force-ripening practices would be dealt with in accordance with the law to serve as a deterrent to others.