Nigerian govt raises alarm over use of carbide to ripen fruits

The Federal Government has warned against the usage of harmful chemicals successful nutrient processing, including calcium carbide for ripening fruits, paracetamol to soften meat, and detergents successful cassava production.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, raised the interest connected Tuesday successful Abuja during the 2026 World Science Day for Peace and Development.

He besides identified the usage of unauthorised chemicals to sphere beans and grains, arsenic good arsenic prohibited colourants specified arsenic Sudan IV to adulterate thenar oil, arsenic unsafe practices threatening nationalist health.

Udeh said unsafe nutrient handling and adulteration exposure consumers to harmful substances, undermine assurance successful nutrient products and endanger nutrient security.

“Food indispensable prolong life, not endanger it,” helium warned.

Citing World Health Organisation figures, the curate said foodborne illnesses impact astir 866 cardinal radical globally each year, causing astir 1.52 cardinal deaths.

He added that Nigeria records an estimated 50 cardinal cases of foodborne illnesses and much than 53,000 related deaths annually.

To code the problem, Udeh...