NAFDAC Warns Against Consumption of Fruits Ripened with Calcium Carbide

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has issued a strong caution to Nigerians against consuming fruits that have been ripened using calcium carbide.

The warning came from Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, during a media sensitization workshop in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

Calcium carbide, a chemical substance with a garlic-like odor, is often used to artificially ripen fruits. However, Adeyeye emphasized that consuming fruits treated with this chemical could have serious health consequences. Among the potential risks she highlighted were sleeping disorders, mouth ulcers, skin rashes, kidney problems, and even cancer.

Adeyeye explained that calcium carbide’s alkaline nature can damage the mucosal tissue in the abdominal area, leading to disruptions in intestinal functions. She also emphasized that NAFDAC is actively campaigning to eliminate the practice of using calcium carbide to ripen fruits across the country.

The Director-General further noted that consuming fruits containing impurities from calcium carbide might lead to various health issues, including fluid build-up in the lungs, neurological effects, reduced brain oxygen supply, and even seizures. Pregnant women and children are especially vulnerable to these risks.

• PhD Student Position in Chemistry with a Focus on Environmental Chemistry
• Ambrose Alli’s certificate to produce herbal drug for diabetes has expired — NAFDAC
• Fuel Consumption Declines 30% – NNPC GMD
• Mali, Burkina Faso Warn Against Military Intervention in Niger …Support Coup Government
• Ekpa Warns Oil Companies Against Disregarding Sit-At-Home Order
• Education Minister sets 8-man Committee for Sector Roadmap
• Ambrose Alli University attains research breakthrough in diabetes, cancer drug

Aside from cautioning against the consumption of chemically ripened fruits, Adeyeye also urged Nigerians to avoid purchasing drugs from hawkers. She stated that drug hawking poses a significant threat to the healthcare system and national security, as these hawkers often distribute narcotic medicines to criminal networks.

NAFDAC’s campaign against the illicit trade of chemically ripened fruits and drug hawking underscores its commitment to protecting public health and safety in Nigeria.