The Nigerian Senate has sounded the alarm over the growing use of hazardous substances—particularly calcium carbide—by fruit vendors to artificially ripen fruits, describing the practice as a grave public health threat.
In a decisive move, lawmakers resolved to amend existing legislation to criminalise the use of dangerous chemicals in fruit ripening, calling for urgent regulatory action.
The motion, championed by Senator Anthony Okorie Ani (Ebonyi South), drew attention to the rising prevalence of the illicit practice and its potentially fatal health implications, including cancer, kidney failure, and other life-threatening conditions.
Senator Ani emphasized the urgent need for intervention by regulatory bodies to halt the spread of this dangerous trend.
“The continued use of toxic chemicals like calcium carbide for fruit ripening is not only illegal but could lead to widespread health crises if unchecked,” Ani warned.
Following deliberations, the Senate passed a resolution mandating the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to launch a comprehensive investigation into the disturbing practice.
Lawmakers also called for stiffer penalties to serve as a deterrent, insisting that offenders must face the full weight of the law to protect the health and safety of Nigerian consumers.
The motion has been referred to the Senate Committees on Health and Agriculture for further legislative action.
