The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned Nigerians against consuming fruits ripened using calcium carbide due to potential health risks.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of NAFDAC, who spoke at a media sensitization workshop in the South-South Zone, said consuming artificially ripened fruits could lead to health hazards such as sleeping disorders, mouth ulcers, skin rashes, kidney problems, and even cancer.
Adeyeye explained that calcium carbide’s alkaline nature can harm the abdominal mucosal tissue and disrupt intestinal functions, resulting in various health problems.
NAFDAC has launched nationwide campaigns against the practice of using calcium carbide for fruit ripening and the illegal hawking of drugs.
Adeyeye emphasized that fruits containing these impurities may cause a range of problems, such as cancer, heart and kidney failure, skin damage, and neurological issues among others.
She also highlighted the threat posed by drug hawkers, describing them as contributors to the distribution of illicit medicines, which can be detrimental to national security.
The NAFDAC Director of Public Affairs, Dr Abubakar Jimoh, stressed the importance of eliminating fake drugs for the well-being of Nigerians and partnered with journalists to educate the public about the dangers of drug hawking and the use of calcium carbide for ripening fruits.
