The Senate has taken a bold step to ban chemical fruit ripening, citing serious public health risks. During plenary, lawmakers described the use of dangerous substances like calcium carbide by fruit sellers as a direct threat to the lives of Nigerians. The Senate clearly stated that the use of harmful chemicals to ripen fruits is no longer acceptable and must be stopped immediately.
Senator Anthony Okorie Ani, who raised the motion, expressed deep concern over the increasing trend of chemically ripened fruits. He noted that “the use of calcium carbide to hasten fruit ripening is not only dangerous but also criminal,” adding that such substances have been linked to cancer, kidney failure, and other deadly diseases.
Lawmakers demand stronger laws to stop chemical fruit ripening
As part of their resolution, the Senate agreed to amend existing health and food safety laws. This amendment, according to them, will officially criminalise chemical fruit ripening in Nigeria. The lawmakers also called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to immediately investigate this dangerous practice.
They stressed the need for public enlightenment and stronger penalties for offenders. According to Senator Ani, “many Nigerians are unknowingly consuming poison disguised as ripe fruit,” and the government must act swiftly to protect the public.
Senate warns: chemical fruit ripening must stop now
The Senate’s warning was clear: chemical fruit ripening must stop now. They directed that the motion be handled by the Senate Committees on Health and Agriculture for follow-up legislative action. The lawmakers made it known that no vendor or farmer has the right to put profits over human lives.
They promised to ensure the passage of laws that will punish anyone caught using calcium carbide or any other toxic substance to ripen fruits. With the keyword “chemical fruit ripening” present from the headline to the conclusion, the message is unmissable.
Chemical fruit ripening has become a silent killer, and the Senate’s new move aims to expose and end this dangerous act.
