NAFDAC warns against artificial fruit ripening with calcium carbide

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control 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 sensitisation exercise organised 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.