The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned fruit sellers in Billiri, Gombe State, to stop using calcium carbide to artificially ripen fruits, citing its grave health dangers.
State coordinator Pharmacist James Agada led an awareness campaign after reports of chemically ripened fruits surfaced in the area. He explained that while fruits are vital for health, carbide use could trigger cancer, liver and kidney damage, heart problems, and ulcers.
Agada said carbide-ripened fruits often appear yellow outside but remain unripe inside, with plantains and bananas showing dark stems and peeling easily. He urged sellers to embrace safer methods, stressing that NAFDAC will first educate, then enforce.
Fruit Sellers Association chair Alhaji Murtala Mohammed thanked NAFDAC for the sensitisation and pledged compliance, warning members against using carbide.
NAFDAC also encouraged the public to report offenders and verify product authenticity through its Scan2Verify tool and other platforms.
