The Senate has summoned the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, over the increasing use of harmful chemicals by fruit sellers to artificially induce the ripening of fruits across the country.
The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and approval of a motion sponsored by Anthony Ani titled, Urgent need to investigate and halt the continuous unwholesome practice of chemical ripening of fruits in Nigeria,
Ani, in his lead debate, described ripening of fruits as a natural physiological process that enhances sweetness, taste, nutrition, and shelf life. He further explained that while some fruit sellers use relatively safe substances like ethylene and methyl jasmonate, many others rely on cheaper, hazardous alternatives such as calcium carbide, ethylene glycol, and ethephon. These substances, he noted, contain impurities including arsenic and lead.
The Senator expressed sadness that the practice is on the rise in Nigeria, adding that some of the chemicals have been banned in many countries, but continue to be used indiscriminately in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Senate adopted the motion and called on NAFDAC, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to investigate the practice of chemical ripening of fruits in Nigeria.