Government Warns Traders Over Forced Fruit Ripening, Food Adulteration
The Federal Government has warned fruit vendors and food traders Nationwide against the sale of force-ripened fruits and adulterated food products, vowing to punish offenders.
Executive Vice-Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Olatunji Bello, issued the warning on Tuesday in Gombe during a one-day sensitisation programme on the dangers of forced fruit ripening, adulterated palm oil, contaminated meat, and unsafe grains.
Bello, represented by the Commission’s Director of Quality Assurance and Development, Dr. Nkechi Mba, said fruits ripened with harmful chemicals pose grave health risks. He assured that the FCCPC would enforce strict food-safety compliance in collaboration with NAFDAC, SON, and other regulators to prosecute offenders.
“Let it be known that any operator who places profit over public safety will face the full wrath of the law,” Bello stated.
He cautioned traders against using or selling adulterated palm oil, contaminated meat, and chemically treated grains, urging farmers and vendors to maintain hygiene, label products properly, and respect consumer rights.
According to him, the Commission is statutorily mandated to protect consumers and ensure fair competition across markets.
Bello described the use of calcium carbide to ripen fruits as dangerous, noting that it contains arsenic and phosphorus, both toxic to humans. He also listed other banned chemicals such as bromate, Sudan red colorant, sniper, and formalin, often used to enhance product colour or preserve freshness.
The sensitisation programme, he added, was aimed at educating farmers, processors, and traders on ethical business conduct, proper food handling, accurate labelling, and compliance with safety regulations.
“The issues of food quality, safety, and fair business practices are more pressing than ever. We must stop these harmful practices that endanger Nigerian consumers,” he said.
The FCCPC reaffirmed its readiness to clamp down on violators and ensure that only safe and properly processed foods reach the Nigerian market.
