The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a warning to Nigerians about the dangers of consuming fruits ripened with calcium carbide.
On Monday, the FCCPC Executive Chairman and CEO, Mr. Olatunji Bello, made this statement during a one-day food quality awareness program in Ado-Ekiti. He was represented by Mrs. Nkechi Mba, the agency’s Director of Quality Assurance.
Bello expressed concern over the rising sale of adulterated and contaminated food in the markets, stressing that the individuals responsible for these harmful practices were putting the health of many innocent Nigerians in jeopardy. He assured the public that the FCCPC would hold these wrongdoers accountable and would not allow them to go unpunished.
He explained that the awareness program was the first step in alerting the public and sending a strong message to those who continue these unsafe practices. He also confirmed that full enforcement of the law had begun, with the FCCPC fully committed to fulfilling its duties.
“The FCCPC is mandated to protect and promote the interests and welfare of consumers at all times,” Bello said. He highlighted that the issue of food quality standards, safety, and fair business practices was becoming increasingly urgent, as dangerous practices, such as the use of calcium carbide to ripen fruits, were on the rise. This chemical, which contains harmful levels of arsenic and phosphorus, poses serious health risks to consumers.
“These dangerous practices undermine consumer trust and threaten the integrity of our food systems,” Bello added.
The FCCPC is working closely with other agencies like NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Ministries of Health and Agriculture to ensure strict compliance with food safety regulations.
Bello also advised consumers to be vigilant and cautious when purchasing produce in markets and farms. He cited regular market surveys by the FCCPC, which have led to the shutdown of dangerous facilities, the imposition of fines, and the prosecution of offenders.
Mr. Yahaya Kudan, the FCCPC’s Director of Consumer and Business Education, emphasized that the program was part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to educating and empowering all stakeholders in the food supply chain, including consumers, farmers, vendors, and regulators.
Representatives from NAFDAC, SON, the Federal and Ekiti State Ministries of Agriculture, Health, and Trade, Commerce and Investment, as well as the Ekiti Consumer Protection Commission, were among the key stakeholders present. Other participants included the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, the Yam Farmers Association, and the Cassava Growers Association.
