THE Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has advised consumers, retailers, farmers, and others in the produce value and distribution chain to desist from using chemicals as forced and artificial ripening agents for fruits, vegetables, and other food items.

Its Chief Executive officer, Mr Babatunde Irukera, said in a statement on Friday in Lagos that Nigerians need to be vigilant to prevent consumption of produce artificially ripened with calcium carbide (CaC2).

He said the organisation, formerly known as Consumer Protection Council (CPC), received credible information that chemicals were used as forced and artificial ripening agents for fruits, vegetables, and other food items.

Irukera said of particular note was the use of calcium carbide to hasten the ripening of oranges and mangoes.

He defined CaC2 as a chemical compound containing arsenic and phosphorus, which have been scientifically proven to be harmful.

Irukera said it contained harmful carcinogenic properties capable of serious adverse effects and possible fatalities associated with consumption of food containing them.

According to him, the commission is collaborating with other relevant regulators and stakeholders in the food security value chain to prevent this continuous practice, sensitise and educate stakeholders.

He also said the commission would also interdict and confiscate produce already otherwise compromised by exposure.

Irukera said, “One way of detecting fruits or produce artificially ripened in this manner is careful physical examination before purchase.

“Forcefully ripened fruits usually do not have uniform colours, appear with yellow and green patches, are hard in texture, low in flavor, less juicy and often will not be as sweet as they should be.

“Consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance by examining what they purchase and intend to consume.

“In addition, it is always helpful to make routine inquiries before purchases, wait till the peak seasons for specific fruits to arrive, and thoroughly wash farm produce before consumption.” (NAN)

– May 10, 2019 @ 15:45 GMT |