Taraba State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Nicholas Namessan Oliver, has warned residents against consuming fruits ripened with harmful chemicals, describing those involved in the practice as “merchants of death.”
In a statement issued in Jalingo, the Commissioner revealed that the Ministry had uncovered the widespread use of calcium carbide to artificially ripen fruits such as bananas, oranges, mangoes, and avocados.
He explained that calcium carbide contains toxic impurities including arsenic, lead, and phosphorus, which pose serious health risks.
According to him, fruits forced to ripen with the substance lose their natural nutrients and may become poisonous, exposing consumers to cancer and life-threatening conditions such as heart, kidney, and liver failure.
Prof. Oliver added that chemically ripened fruits also deteriorate in colour, taste, and aroma, making them inferior to naturally ripened produce.
He urged the public to carefully inspect fruits before purchase to avoid items that could lead to severe illness or even premature death.
The Commissioner emphasized the need for sustained public awareness to curb the rising sale of contaminated fruits in markets, warning that anyone caught engaging in the practice within Taraba State will face legal consequences.
COV/JAMILA ABBA
