The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding the consumption of fruits ripened with calcium carbide.
The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, emphasized the health risks associated with this practice during the NAFDAC Media Sensitization Workshop.
In her keynote address, Adeyeye stated, “Consuming fruits such as mango, banana, plantain, guava, orange, grape, etc., or any other fruits ripened with calcium carbide is dangerous to health.”
She highlighted the potential adverse effects, including cancer, heart, kidney, and liver failure, as well as skin damage and respiratory problems.
Calcium carbide, commonly used for artificial fruit ripening, contains impurities like arsenic and lead particles that pose serious health hazards.
The consumption of fruits ripened with calcium carbide may result in a considerable loss of properties, lack of natural aroma and flavor, and a shorter shelf life.
To combat this health menace, NAFDAC has commissioned a scientific study to address the issue.
Adeyeye called on the media to join forces with NAFDAC in raising awareness about the dangers of calcium carbide ripened fruits.
She concluded, “We are confident of winning the war against these two hydra-headed public health menaces.
It is, therefore, a great pleasure for me to declare open this Media Sensitization Workshop while urging you to assist NAFDAC in publicizing and disseminating the knowledge acquired to the general public.”
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