FG warns farmers against using harmful chemicals in food, says millions of Nigerians at risk

The federal government has warned farmers and food vendors against using harmful substances in food processing and preservation.

Olatunji Bello, executive vice-chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), issued the warning at a one-day sensitisation programme on forced palm oil, ripening of fruits, contaminated meat, and grains held in Enugu on Wednesday.

The vice-chairman asked farmers, food processors, vendors, and business owners to abstain from using harmful substances in food processing.

In line with national and global standards, he urged food handlers to observe hygiene and safety protocols, label and package food correctly, and respect consumers’ rights.

Bello noted that the nation experiences forced ripening of fruits with calcium carbide, which contains toxic arsenic and phosphorus and poses significant health risks.

The FCCPC boss said the issues of food quality standards, safety, and fair business practices have become a matter of urgency, more pressing than ever.

He cited dangerous trends, including adulterating food with chemicals like bromate, Sudan red, and formalin, as well as improper handling and contamination across the food value chain.

“These practices not only endanger the lives of millions of Nigerians, but they also erode consumer trust and sabotage the integrity of our food systems,” he said.

“Unsafe food not only endangers lives, but undermines trust in markets, disrupts trade, and damages the reputations of businesses, both large and small.

“Therefore, you all have the responsibility and duty of care to the public as every product you put on the shelves for consumers affects a family or a community positively or negatively.”

He explained that FCCPC has intervened in hazardous food cases through market surveillance, consumer education, and strategic partnerships, shutting down facilities, imposing sanctions, and prosecuting offenders.

‘FORCED FRUIT RIPENING A SERIOUS CHALLENGE’

On his part, Leonard Omokpariola, the director of chemical education and research, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), said forced ripening of fruit is a very serious challenge in the country.

Omokpariola said calcium carbide produces poisonous gas and carcinogenic chemicals, causing kidney and other health issues, rather than safely ripening fruits.