Senate Moves to Enforce Tougher Penalties Against Artificial Fruit Ripening in Nigeria

Senate Chambers in Abuja during plenary session on food safety and fruit ripening regulation

The Nigerian Senate has taken a bold step toward protecting public health by announcing plans to introduce stiffer penalties for individuals involved in the artificial ripening of fruits using harmful chemicals. This legislative action comes as part of an ongoing effort to curb the widespread use of substances like calcium carbide and other hazardous chemicals in food processing and preservation across the country. The move followed the adoption of a comprehensive report presented by the Joint Senate Committees on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) and Agricultural Services, Productive and Rural Development, chaired by Senator Ipalibo Banigo (PDP, Rivers West). The committee’s findings raised alarm over the growing prevalence of unsafe food-handling practices that pose serious health risks to millions of Nigerians.

During plenary deliberations, lawmakers expressed deep concern over the increasing use of toxic chemicals to artificially ripen fruits such as bananas, mangoes, oranges, and plantains. These substances, they warned, can cause long-term health complications when consumed.
To address the crisis, the Senate resolved to amend existing food safety and agricultural laws to include stricter sanctions for offenders. This includes higher fines and possible jail terms for individuals, traders, or companies found guilty of engaging in the dangerous act of chemical fruit ripening.
In addition, the Senate mandated several key agencies—including the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology (NiCFOST)—to launch intensive nationwide sensitization campaigns.
These campaigns will aim to educate farmers, traders, and consumers about the dangers of consuming fruits and food items treated with hazardous substances.

The report presented by the Senate committee did not focus solely on fruit ripening. It also highlighted several dangerous food-handling practices that have become increasingly common in Nigerian markets. These include:

• Cooking meat with paracetamol to soften it faster.
• Preserving grains and beans with Sniper (dichlorvos), a toxic pesticide banned for agricultural use.
• Washing fruits and vegetables with detergents to enhance appearance.
• Soaking cassava in detergent or bleach to speed up fermentation.
• Adding banned Sudan IV dye to palm oil and pepper to give a false impression of freshness and color.

The committee further noted the use of morpholine, a chemical waxing agent for fruits and vegetables, which is already banned across the European Union due to its harmful effects on human health.
According to the committee’s report, these practices have been directly linked to cancer, kidney and liver damage, and an increase in foodborne diseases such as cholera and Lassa fever.

“The artificial ripening of fruits using chemicals poses severe hazards to human health and has led to illnesses and deaths,” the committee stated in its report. “This is not just a consumer rights issue—it is a full-blown public health crisis that must be urgently addressed through legislation, public education, and strong regulatory enforcement.”

Data presented to the Senate revealed a worrying trend. In 2025 alone, Nigeria recorded over 14,000 cases of cholera, resulting in about 378 deaths, alongside 119 deaths linked to food-related Lassa fever infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that Nigeria suffers more than one million cases of foodborne illnesses annually, costing the economy an estimated $3.6 billion in healthcare expenses, productivity losses, and other indirect costs. These statistics underscore the urgent need for coordinated action to address unsafe food practices and improve food safety standards nationwide.

Although current legislation—particularly Sections 243 to 245 of the Criminal Code—criminalizes the adulteration of food, meat, and water, the Senate emphasized that these provisions are no longer sufficient to address the growing threat of chemically induced food contamination. Senators called for the review and strengthening of existing laws, including provisions for regular inspection of markets and farms, seizure of contaminated food items, and prosecution of offenders. The lawmakers also urged the government to invest in modern food testing facilities across the six geopolitical zones to enable quick detection of contaminated food products before they reach consumers.

“Food safety is a fundamental human right,” the committee declared. “We must take decisive action to protect Nigerians from unscrupulous traders who prioritize profit over human life.”

Beyond legislation, the Senate’s resolution also emphasized the importance of nationwide sensitization and behavioral change among farmers, traders, and consumers.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with NAQS, FCCPC, and NiCFOST, has been directed to develop community-based awareness campaigns to teach proper fruit handling and preservation methods. The initiative is expected to involve local government councils, market unions, health workers, and traditional rulers to ensure wide public participation.
Experts have warned that many traders engage in chemical ripening not out of malice, but due to ignorance, lack of awareness, or pressure to meet market demand. Educating them on safe, natural ripening alternatives—such as using ethylene-producing fruits, controlled storage, or banana leaves—can help reduce the menace without hurting livelihoods.

Public health professionals and food safety advocates have commended the Senate’s proactive stance, describing it as a long-overdue intervention that could save thousands of lives.

According to Dr. Ngozi Anyanwu, a food safety specialist, “Calcium carbide reacts with moisture to produce acetylene gas, which contains impurities that can cause serious health complications. Continuous exposure can damage the nervous system and vital organs. The Senate’s action is a major step in safeguarding public health.”

Similarly, the Consumer Protection Network of Nigeria (CPNN) called on law enforcement agencies to support the legislative reforms by ensuring strict compliance and market surveillance once the amendments are passed into law.

The Senate’s renewed push for tougher penalties marks a critical turning point in Nigeria’s food safety journey. If properly implemented, these measures will not only deter offenders but also promote trust and transparency in the country’s agricultural and food distribution sectors. For millions of Nigerians who rely on fruits and fresh produce for nutrition, this development represents a ray of hope for healthier living and safer food choices. As the bill moves toward amendment and eventual passage, the expectation remains that all stakeholders, including farmers, vendors, consumers, and regulators, must work together to create a food system that prioritizes health, safety, and sustainability.
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The Senate’s plan to impose stricter penalties on the chemical ripening of fruits is more than a political statement; it is a necessary step to protect public health, rebuild trust in food markets, and ensure food security for all Nigerians. With continued enforcement, education, and collaboration between government agencies and the public, Nigeria can look forward to a future where fresh fruits are safe, naturally ripened, and truly nourishing. Senate Nigeria, chemical ripening of fruits, calcium carbide, food safety in Nigeria, artificial fruit ripening, public health, food poisoning, NAQS, FCCPC, Nigerian agriculture, toxic chemicals in food, food regulation in Nigeria, fruit safety campaign, Senate bill on food safety, Nigerian Senate news.

By Primelineinfo