The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a strong warning to fruit vendors and consumers about the dangers of calcium carbide-ripened fruits, highlighting severe health risks including kidney damage, cancer, and hypertension.
During a public awareness campaign at a major fruit market in Sokoto on Monday, NAFDAC Coordinator, Abdulsalam Lawal, urged sellers to stop using harmful chemicals to speed up fruit ripening, especially as Ramadan approaches—a period of high fruit consumption.
Why Calcium Carbide is Dangerous
Calcium carbide, commonly used in welding, releases harmful toxins when applied to fruits like mangoes, bananas, and watermelons. These toxins can lead to:
✅ Severe organ damage (kidneys & liver)
✅ Increased cancer risk
✅ Hypertension & respiratory issues
NAFDAC Steps Up Surveillance
To combat the illegal use of calcium carbide, NAFDAC has intensified market surveillance and will crack down on vendors who continue this dangerous practice. Only welders are legally permitted to use calcium carbide for industrial purposes—not fruit sellers.
Safer Alternatives for Ripening Fruits
Chairman of the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Marketers, Alhaji Bello Danda, has advised sellers to adopt natural ripening methods to protect consumers. He also demonstrated safe techniques for ripening mangoes, bananas, and watermelons without endangering public health.
With the Sokoto fruit market attracting buyers from across Nigeria and neighboring countries, this awareness campaign—launched on February 18—is part of NAFDAC’s nationwide effort to ensure food safety.
How to Spot Artificially Ripened Fruits
To avoid consuming harmful chemicals, look out for these warning signs:
🚩 Uneven ripening (patchy colors)
🚩 Unnaturally bright yellow or orange hue
🚩 Overly soft texture or chemical-like smell
Protect Your Health! Choose Naturally Ripened Fruits 💡
Share this information to keep Nigerians safe! 🚀