The Senate has raised alarm over the growing use of dangerous chemicals particularly calcium carbide by fruit vendors to artificially ripen fruits, resolving to amend existing laws to criminalise such practice.
Describing use of hazardous substances for fruit ripening as a major public health threat to consumers across the country, the lawmakers called for more investigation into the ugly practice, reports Channels TV.
The move followed a motion sponsored by Senator Anthony Okorie Ani (Ebonyi South), who called for urgent intervention from relevant regulatory agencies.
The Senate subsequently resolved to mandate the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and food security to investigate the increasing prevalence of the harmful practice.
Senator Ani noted that the use of toxic chemicals for fruit ripening has led to serious health concerns, including cancer, kidney failure, and other life-threatening illnesses, warning that continued exposure could have widespread consequences for public health.
The Senate proposed stiffer penalties for offenders to serve as a deterrent and safeguard the health of Nigerians.
The motion is referred to the Senate Committee on Health and Agriculture for further legislative action.
