Worried by the prevalence of cancer, kidney failure and other diseases linked to contaminated and toxic fruits consumption, the Nigerian Senate, has through an adopted motion, urged the National Food and Drug Administration, NAFDAC to investigate the “unwholesome ripening of fruits in Nigeria.”;;
This was sequel to a motion sponsored by Senator Anthony Okorie Ani representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly.
The lawmaker explained that fruit ripening is a highly regulated irreversible process that involves highly coordinated, complex biochemical and physiological changes, adding that artificial fruit ripening using dangerous chemicals has become a norm in Nigeria by sellers who hardly understand the implications of their unwholesome practices.
He said “the artificial ripening of fruits involves the external application of chemicals and other agents to achieve faster and more uniform ripening of fruits.”;;
Hence, the lawmaker called on NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Federal Consumer Competition and Protection Council to increase the level of awareness by continuous sensitization and public enlightenment on dangers of artificial ripening of fruits.
In his contribution, Senator Dicket Plang representing :Plateau Central Senatorial District, lamented the high level of kidney failure, cancer and other dangerous ailments that have claimed the lives of people.
He said the application of preservative chemicals goes beyond fruits to fishes and other food commodities.
He said: “I feel that there is a strong need to ask the Senate to place a restriction on the application of poisonous chemicals on foods.
Other Senators reacting to the motion, expressed disappointment that the food regulatory body in Nigeria has relaxed its responsibility, urging it to swing into action and tame the tide.
In his remarks, the Senate President berated sellers of fruits and other food items which have been applied with chemicals, citing what he witnessed on the Abuja – Lafia road.
He said: “I have seen where a banana was dumped in a gutter after application of chemicals and in the morning of the following day, it became ripped for sale. It is really a sad story. After an amendment to prayers, the motion was referred to the Senate Committee on NAFDAC and Agriculture and Food Security for further investigation.
