The Nigerian Senate has taken steps to address growing public health threat posed by the artificial ripening of fruits through the use of toxic chemicals.
The Senate, in a motion sponsored by Senator Ani Okorie (Ebonyi South), raised the alarm over continued use of hazardous substances like calcium carbide by fruit vendors across the country.
Leading the motion at the plenary on Wednesday, Ani described fruit ripening as a natural physiological process meant to improve the taste, aroma, and nutritional value of fruits.
However, he noted that commercial pressure and profits led many vendors to using dangerous chemical alternatives.
“While substances like ethylene and methyl jasmonate are considered safe—though expensive—unscrupulous fruit sellers often turn to cheaper but harmful chemicals such as calcium carbide, ethylene glycol, and ethephon, which are banned in several countries,” he said.
He warned that calcium carbide contains deadly impurities including arsenic and lead, linked to a range of life-threatening conditions such as cancer, kidney failure, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
“The sad reality is that many Nigerians are unknowingly buying poison disguised as fresh fruit. This must be stopped,” he said.
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