Nigerian govt raises alarm over use of carbide to ripen fruits

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

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, raised the concern on Tuesday in Abuja during the 2026 World Science Day for Peace and Development.

He also identified the use of unauthorised chemicals to preserve beans and grains, as well as prohibited colourants such as Sudan IV to adulterate palm oil, as dangerous practices threatening public health.

Udeh said unsafe food handling and adulteration expose consumers to harmful substances, undermine confidence in food products and threaten food security.

“Food must sustain life, not endanger it,” he warned.

Citing World Health Organisation figures, the minister said foodborne illnesses affect about 866 million people globally each year, causing approximately 1.52 million deaths.

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

To address the problem, Udeh said the Federal Government planned to strengthen food safety monitoring by deploying qualified food science and technology professionals, particularly at the local government level.

He disclosed that Nigeria produces about 3,000 food science and technology graduates annually from 70 tertiary institutions but lacks an established professional structure to effectively utilise their expertise in public service.

The minister said efforts would be made to establish a professional cadre for practitioners, supported by personnel audits and skills-gap assessments.

He urged food businesses and regulatory agencies to engage qualified professionals and ensure that practitioners have valid registration and annual practice licences.