The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians over the consumption of fruits ripened with calcium carbide, describing the practice as a grave health risk. The agency sounded the alarm during a one-day sensitisation programme on food quality standards held in Ado-Ekiti on Monday.
Speaking at the event, FCCPC Executive Chairman, Mr. Olatunji Bello—represented by the Director of Quality Assurance, Mrs. Nkechi Mba—condemned the increasing sale of adulterated and contaminated foods across Nigerian markets. He stressed that traders who use harmful substances such as calcium carbide, which contains toxic elements like arsenic and phosphorus, were endangering the lives of millions of unsuspecting citizens. Bello assured that the commission had commenced strict enforcement measures to bring culprits to justice and safeguard public health.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Bello said such harmful practices not only put consumers at risk of severe health complications but also erode public confidence in the nation’s food systems. He added that the FCCPC is collaborating with key agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Ministries of Health and Agriculture, to ensure strict compliance with food safety standards.
The FCCPC boss further advised consumers to remain vigilant by carefully inspecting fruits and food items before purchase. He revealed that through regular market surveys, the agency had intervened in multiple cases of hazardous food practices, shut down offending facilities, imposed sanctions, and prosecuted offenders where necessary.
Also speaking at the sensitisation programme, the agency’s Director of Consumer and Business Education, Mr. Yahaya Kudan, emphasized that the initiative was designed to educate and empower consumers, farmers, and vendors within the food supply chain. The event brought together stakeholders from NAFDAC, SON, federal and Ekiti State ministries, the Ekiti Consumer Protection Commission, as well as representatives of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Yam Farmers Association, and Cassava Growers, all pledging to join forces in the fight against unsafe food practices.
