By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Gombe State has intensifi...
By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Gombe State has intensified its campaign against the use of carbide for ripening fruits, highlighting its grave health risks to consumers.
During a sensitization meeting held at the Gombe main market, the NAFDAC State Coordinator, Mr. James Agada, warned that consuming carbide-ripened fruits could result in severe health complications, including cancer and kidney failure.
“Fruits play a vital role in maintaining a healthy diet, particularly during fasting periods when they are used to break fasts. However, using calcium carbide to ripen fruits exposes people to cancer, kidney failure, skin rashes, and other life-threatening illnesses,” Agada stated.
He urged fruit sellers to abandon the harmful practice, emphasizing that while NAFDAC has the authority to prosecute offenders, the agency prefers education and dialogue.
“It is more effective to educate and create awareness than to impose sanctions. Let’s work together to end this harmful practice for the health and safety of our community,” Agada appealed.
Mr. Musa Haruna, another NAFDAC official, noted that the issue is not unique to Gombe or Nigeria but a global concern. He reassured fruit sellers of NAFDAC’s readiness to collaborate with them to eradicate the practice locally.
“This challenge is faced worldwide, but with your cooperation, we can eliminate it in Gombe,” Haruna said.
Speaking on behalf of the fruit sellers, Vice Chairman Abdullahi Bello Muhammad commended NAFDAC for its efforts and disclosed that the association had already taken measures to address the issue following previous engagements with local authorities, including the Yeriman Gombe.
He added that any member found engaging in carbide use would face strict disciplinary actions, including suspension from the association.
Members of the fruit sellers’ association pledged to spread awareness and enforce compliance among their peers. They assured NAFDAC of their commitment to promoting food safety and holding violators accountable.
This campaign is part of NAFDAC’s broader mission to protect public health and ensure the safety of food consumed by Nigerians.
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