FG Intensifies Campaign Against Food Adulteration, Unsafe Processing Practices

The federal government has intensified its campaign against food adulteration, forced fruit ripening, and unsafe processing practices to safeguard public health and strengthen consumer protection nationwide.

The campaign, led by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), seeks to educate farmers, food vendors, and consumers on the dangers of using harmful chemicals and unhygienic methods in food production and distribution.

The one-day sensitisation workshop, held in Gombe, focused on food quality standards, safety regulations, and fair business practices. It brought together key stakeholders in the food sector.

In his keynote address on behalf of the executive vice chairman of the FCCPC, Mr Olatunji Bello, the director of Quality Assurance and Development, Dr Nkechi Mba, said the Commission remains committed to protecting Nigerians from hazardous food practices that threaten lives and national food security.

“Unsafe food not only endangers lives but undermines trust in markets, disrupts trade, and damages the reputation of businesses,” stressing that any operator who places profit over public safety will face the full wrath of the law.

Bello identified forced ripening of fruits using calcium carbide, adulteration of palm oil and grains, and contamination of meat products as growing threats to public health. He noted that these practices expose consumers to toxic substances such as arsenic and phosphorus, which are known to cause cancer and other chronic illnesses.

He emphasised that food safety is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration among regulators, producers, vendors, and consumers. The FCCPC, he said, is working closely with agencies such as NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Ministries of Health and Agriculture to ensure strict enforcement of food safety laws and promote consumer education nationwide.

Speaking at the event, the director general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), represented by the Gombe State coordinator, Mr Kenneth Obukwele, identified calcium carbide as one of the most dangerous chemicals being used by some farmers and traders to force the ripening of fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and plantains. He warned that the substance, which contains arsenic and phosphorus, is highly toxic and unfit for human exposure or consumption.

Kenneth also identified calcium carbide as one of the most toxic chemicals used by some farmers to speed up the ripening of fruits. He warned that consuming such fruits could cause cancer, kidney failure, and other deadly diseases, urging farmers and traders to adopt natural ripening methods and adhere to approved food safety guidelines.

Earlier, the director of Consumer and Business Education at the FCCPC, Yahaya Garba Kudan, said the sensitisation was part of the Commission’s broader strategy to empower consumers with knowledge that would enable them to make informed food choices and demand accountability from producers and sellers.

Kudan stated, “Our goal is to equip Nigerians with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions and advocate for safer food practices. Food safety is not negotiable.”

The FCCPC reiterated its commitment to continuous consumer education, market surveillance, and enforcement actions against violators. The Commission urged all Nigerians to remain vigilant, report unsafe food practices, and support ongoing efforts to create a healthier food system.

The workshop included participants from women’s groups, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), market unions, civil society organisations, and representatives of various federal and state government agencies.

Representatives of women’s groups lauded the FCCPC for the campaign and pledged to spread the message within their communities. They emphasised that women play a central role in food selection and household nutrition, making their involvement key to curbing unsafe food practices at the grassroots.