The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has embarked on a crucial mission to safeguard public health in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria. This initiative stems from alarming reports of fruit sellers employing calcium carbide, a hazardous chemical, to artificially ripen fruits. Recognizing the severe health implications of consuming such produce, NAFDAC organized a sensitization exercise to educate fruit sellers and the general public about the dangers of this practice. The agency emphasized the importance of adopting safe ripening methods to ensure that fruits, which are naturally rich in essential nutrients and contribute significantly to overall well-being, remain a source of nourishment rather than a health hazard.
Calcium carbide, when used to artificially ripen fruits, introduces a plethora of health risks. The chemical reaction produces acetylene gas, which interferes with the natural ripening process and can leave harmful residues on the fruit. Consuming fruits treated with calcium carbide can lead to a cascade of severe health complications, ranging from gastrointestinal issues like frequent thirst, mouth and nose irritation, and ulcers, to more serious conditions such as cancer, kidney and liver failure, heart problems, and skin damage. NAFDAC underscored the importance of distinguishing between naturally ripened fruits and those artificially ripened using calcium carbide. Naturally ripened fruits exhibit characteristic brown or black spots and ripen evenly, while artificially ripened ones often have a uniform yellow color externally while the inside remains unripe, peel off easily, and may have traces of powdery substances.
NAFDAC’s approach to addressing this critical public health issue is multifaceted, prioritizing education and awareness before resorting to enforcement. The agency believes that educating fruit sellers about the dangers of using calcium carbide and providing them with safer alternatives will encourage compliance and ultimately protect consumers. While emphasizing its commitment to public health education, NAFDAC also issued a stern warning to those who persist in using the banned chemical, stating that they will face sanctions. The agency highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring food safety and encouraged traders to report anyone suspected of using calcium carbide.
NAFDAC further empowered consumers and traders with tools to verify the authenticity and safety of food products. Resources like the Green Book app, NAPAMS, and Scan2Verify provide valuable information about registered products and help consumers make informed choices. These tools facilitate transparency and accountability within the food supply chain, enabling individuals to identify potentially harmful products and report them to the appropriate authorities. This participatory approach to food safety strengthens the collective effort to eliminate dangerous practices like the use of calcium carbide for artificial ripening.
The response from the fruit sellers in Billiri LGA was positive and encouraging. The Chairman of the Fruit Sellers Association expressed gratitude for NAFDAC’s sensitization efforts and pledged the association’s commitment to adhering to the guidelines. Recognizing the harmful effects of calcium carbide, he urged his members to discontinue its use and explore safer alternatives for fruit ripening. He highlighted the use of natural extracts from fruits like pear and garden egg as viable and safe options for inducing ripening. This commitment from the fruit sellers demonstrates the effectiveness of NAFDAC’s educational approach and fosters a collaborative environment for ensuring food safety.
The collaborative efforts of NAFDAC, the fruit sellers association, and consumers represent a critical step towards safeguarding public health in Gombe State. By prioritizing education, providing access to information, and promoting safe alternatives, NAFDAC is fostering a culture of food safety and empowering individuals to make informed choices. The commitment of the fruit sellers to comply with the guidelines further strengthens this collective effort and paves the way for a healthier and safer food environment. This proactive approach to addressing the issue of artificial ripening with calcium carbide sets a positive precedent for other regions and underscores the crucial role of regulatory agencies in protecting public health. Continued vigilance, education, and collaboration will be essential in ensuring the long-term success of these efforts and safeguarding the well-being of consumers.
