FCCPC Warns Nigerians Against Consumption of Chemically Ripened Fruits

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has cautioned Nigerians against eating fruits forcefully ripened with harmful chemicals, particularly calcium carbide, citing severe health risks.

The warning was issued on Monday during a one-day sensitisation programme on food quality standards organised by the commission in Ado-Ekiti.

FCCPC Executive Chairman, Mr. Olatunji Bello—represented by the Director of Quality Assurance, Mrs. Nkechi Mba—condemned the increasing sale of adulterated and contaminated food in markets, describing it as a grave danger to public health.

Health Risks of Calcium Carbide
Bello explained that calcium carbide contains toxic substances, including traces of arsenic and phosphorus, which are hazardous to human health.

“These practices endanger the lives of millions of Nigerians, erode consumer trust, and compromise the integrity of our food systems,” he said, adding that the commission has commenced full enforcement against violators.

According to him, the sensitisation programme serves both to alert unsuspecting consumers and to send a strong warning to offenders. He revealed that FCCPC’s market surveillance has already led to the shutdown of facilities, sanctions, and prosecution of offenders.

Collaborative Enforcement
To boost enforcement, Bello said the FCCPC is working closely with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Ministries of Health and Agriculture.

He also urged consumers to carefully inspect food items before purchase.

FCCPC’s Director of Consumer and Business Education, Mr. Yahaya Kudan, noted that the sensitisation programme reflects the agency’s commitment to educating farmers, vendors, businesses, and consumers on safe practices in food production and distribution.

Stakeholders in Attendance
The event brought together representatives from NAFDAC, SON, the Federal and Ekiti State Ministries of Agriculture, Health, and Trade, as well as the Ekiti Consumer Protection Commission. Farmers’ associations, including the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Yam Farmers Association, and Cassava Growers, were also in attendance.