Force-ripened fruits deadly, FG warns citizens

Force-ripened fruits deadly, FG warns citizens

The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to fruit vendors across Nigeria, cautioning against the sale of force-ripened fruits and threatening severe penalties for violators.

The alert was delivered by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Olatunji Bello, during a one-day sensitisation programme held in Gombe State. Represented by Dr. Nkechi Mba, Director of Quality Assurance and Development, Bello emphasized that the use of harmful chemicals to artificially ripen fruits poses significant health risks to consumers.

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“The FCCPC has a statutory duty to protect consumers and ensure fair competition in the marketplace,” Bello stated, adding that the commission will intensify enforcement of food safety standards in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and other regulatory bodies.

The sensitisation campaign also addressed broader food safety concerns, including the dangers of adulterated palm oil, contaminated meat, and grains. Bello urged farmers, processors, vendors, and traders to maintain high hygiene standards, avoid unsafe chemical practices, and ensure proper labelling of food products.

He noted that the awareness initiative was designed to educate and empower both consumers and industry stakeholders on responsible food handling, regulatory compliance, and ethical business conduct.

The FCCPC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that food sold in Nigerian markets meets acceptable safety and quality standards.

Force-ripened fruits deadly, FG warns citizens