The Federal Government has warned fruit vendors against selling force-ripened fruits, threatening that those involved will face serious sanctions.
Executive Vice-Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Olatunji Bello, issued the warning on Tuesday in Gombe State during a one-day sensitisation programme on the dangers of forced ripening of fruits, adulterated palm oil, contaminated meat, and grains.
Mr. Bello, represented by the Director of Quality Assurance and Development, Dr. Nkechi Mba, said the act of force-ripening fruits poses a major threat to public health. He stated that the commission would enforce strict compliance with food-safety standards, collaborate with agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, and other regulators, and prosecute offenders involved in harmful food practices.
He also warned sellers of adulterated palm oil, contaminated meat, and grains, urging farmers, processors, vendors, and traders to shun the use of harmful chemicals, maintain proper hygiene, label their products correctly, and respect consumer rights.
“Respect consumer rights and refrain from deceptive or unfair business practices. Let it be known that any operator who places profit over public safety will face the full wrath of the law,” he stated.
The FCCPC chief explained that the commission has a statutory responsibility to protect and promote the interests and welfare of consumers while ensuring fair competition across markets. He added that food safety, consumer protection, and quality standards remain essential to the nation’s health and economy.
“The issues of food quality standards, safety, and fair business practices are more pressing than ever, but we continue to witness alarming trends like the forceful ripening of fruits using harmful chemicals such as calcium carbide, which contains trace amounts of arsenic and phosphorus, both of which are highly toxic to humans,” he said.
He further identified the adulteration of food products with dangerous additives and preservatives such as bromate, Sudan red colorant, sniper, and formalin as major hazards that endanger human health.
According to him, the sensitisation event was organised to inform, educate, and empower both consumers and industry stakeholders, fostering greater awareness about proper food handling, accurate labelling, regulatory compliance, and ethical business conduct in the marketplace.