The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned fruit sellers in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State against the use of calcium carbide to artificially ripen fruits, citing its harmful effects on human health.

The warning came on Friday during a sensitization exercise organized by the agency following reports that some fruits in the area were suspected to have been ripened with the banned chemical.

Highlighting the dangers, NAFDAC’s Gombe State Coordinator, Pharmacist James Agada, explained that while fruits provide vital nutrients that boost immunity and prevent diseases, consuming artificially ripened produce could lead to severe health complications.

“Calcium carbide poses serious health risks to consumers. Our intervention seeks to protect public health by encouraging fruit sellers to adopt safe practices,” Agada said.

He further explained how buyers and sellers could identify such fruits.

“Fruits ripened with calcium carbide may appear yellow on the outside while the inside remains unripe. For instance, bananas and plantains with completely yellow peels but dark stems are often artificially ripened. Naturally ripened fruits usually show brown or black spots, whereas artificially ripened ones often peel off quickly and may have traces of powdery substances,” he said.

According to him, the consumption of such fruits could cause a wide range of health problems, including cancer, kidney and liver failure, heart complications, skin damage, frequent thirst, mouth and nose irritation, weakness, and even ulcers.

Agada stressed that NAFDAC’s current focus was education before enforcement.

“We want to appeal to the conscience of fruit sellers to do the right thing. But let me be clear—those who persist in violating the regulations will face sanctions. Protecting public health remains our priority,” he warned.

He also urged traders to report anyone using calcium carbide and to verify product authenticity using NAFDAC’s tools such as the Green Book app, NAPAMS, and Scan2Verify.

Responding, the Chairman of the Fruit Sellers Association in Billiri LGA, Alhaji Murtala Mohammed, expressed appreciation to NAFDAC for the enlightenment and pledged that members would comply with the guidelines.

“We are grateful for this sensitization. I want to caution our members against using calcium carbide because of its harmful effects. There are safer alternatives like pear and garden egg extracts that can be used to ripen fruits,” Mohammed assured. (The PUNCH)

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