The Senate plans to amend existing laws to make such use of dangerous chemicals, particularly calcium carbide, by fruit vendors to artificially ripen fruits, and expresses concern to the Senate.
The lawmakers demanded more investigation into the ugly practice, citing the use of dangerous substances for fruit ripening as a significant public health threat to consumers across the nation.
The action came in response to Senator Anthony Okorie Ani’s (Ebonyi South) request for urgent response from relevant regulatory bodies.
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The Senate then authorized the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration to conduct an investigation into the rising prevalence of the dreadful practice.
Senator Ani noted that the consumption of toxic chemicals for fruit ripening has caused serious health issues, including cancer, kidney failure, and other life-threatening illnesses, and that continued exposure could have a significant impact on public health.
To deter crime and protect Nigerians’ health, the Senate proposed stiffer penalties for offenders.
Source: Channels TV
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