The Nigerian Senate has summoned the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to explain the growing use of toxic chemicals by fruit vendors to ripen fruits artificially.
This action followed a motion sponsored by Senator Anthony Ani titled, “Urgent Need to Investigate and Halt the Continuous Unwholesome Practice of Chemical Ripening of Fruits in Nigeria.”
Senator Raises Alarm Over Health Risks
While presenting the motion, Senator Ani said natural fruit ripening enhances sweetness, taste, and nutrition. However, he warned that many sellers now use chemicals to speed up ripening and make fruits appear fresh.
He said some vendors use relatively safe substances like ethylene and methyl jasmonate. But many others turn to cheaper, dangerous alternatives such as calcium carbide, ethylene glycol, and ethephon. These contain toxic elements like arsenic and lead.
“Experts have warned that these substances can cause cancer, kidney and liver damage, neurological issues, and even death,” Ani stressed.
He added that many sellers are unaware of the dangers. They prioritize profit, while consumers unknowingly buy fruits laced with poison just because they look good on the outside.
Ani noted that some of these chemicals are already banned in other countries but remain in use in Nigeria.
The Senate called on NAFDAC, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate the issue.
Lawmakers urged NAFDAC, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and related agencies to launch public awareness campaigns about the dangers of chemically ripened fruits.
They also asked the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service and the Nigerian Customs Service to stop the entry of fruits preserved with harmful substances, especially apples.
The Senate directed NAFDAC and FCCPC to visit fruit markets regularly and crack down on illegal ripening practices.
To strengthen enforcement, the Senate tasked its Committee on Legal Matters to propose stricter laws and tougher penalties for offenders.
Lastly, the Senate ordered its Committees on Health and Agriculture to summon NAFDAC. The agency must present its current efforts and outline future actions to eliminate the harmful practice.
