The Nigerian Senate has summoned the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to explain the unchecked use of dangerous chemicals by fruit vendors to hasten the ripening of fruits—a practice lawmakers say poses a growing public health threat.
This followed the adoption of a motion on Wednesday, moved by Senator Ani Anthony Okorle, titled, “Urgent Need to Investigate and Halt the Continuous Unwholesome Practice of Chemical Ripening of Fruits in Nigeria.”
While presenting the motion, Okorie lamented the increasing trend of chemically-induced ripening, calling it a “dangerous deviation from nature.” He explained that while fruit ripening is naturally meant to improve sweetness, texture, and nutritional content, many vendors now turn to harmful agents to force the process and improve appearance for commercial gains.
“Ethylene and methyl jasmonate may be considered relatively safe,” Okorle noted, “but the problem lies with the widespread use of substances like calcium carbide, ethephon, and ethylene glycol—chemicals laced with toxic residues, including lead and arsenic.”
He warned that these substances are known to cause severe health problems such as cancer, kidney damage, liver failure, neurological disorders, and, in extreme cases, death.
Okorle attributed the spread of the practice to profit-driven motives and a lack of awareness among fruit vendors. “People are unknowingly eating poison masked in the form of ripened fruits. This is unacceptable,” he said.
The senator also criticised the failure of regulatory enforcement, stating that many countries have outlawed such chemicals while Nigeria lags in implementing effective measures.