The Federal Government (FG) has warned vendors against selling force-repined fruits, threatening that the culprits would be dealt with decisively.
Executive Vice‑Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Olatunji Bello, gave the warning on Tuesday in Gombe State during a one-day sensitisation programme on the dangers of forced repining of fruits, adulterated palm oil, contaminated meat and grains.
The FCCPC chief, represented by Director of Quality Assurance and Development Dr. Nkechi Mba, said such types of fruits pose a threat to public health, adding that the commission would enforce strict compliance with food‑safety standards, collaborate with NAFDAC, SON, and other regulators, and prosecute offenders.
He also warned sellers of adulterated palm oil and contaminated meat and grains, urging farmers, processors, vendors and traders to shun harmful chemicals, maintain hygiene, label products correctly and respect consumer rights.
“Respect consumer rights and refrain from deceptive or unfair business practices. Let it be known that any operator who places profit over public safety will face the full wrath of the law”, he noted.
According to him, the commission has a statutory responsibility to protect and promote the interests and welfare of consumers as well as ensure fair competition.
“The issues of food quality standards, safety, and fair business practices are more pressing than ever, but we continue to witness alarming trends like: the forceful ripening of fruits using harmful chemicals such as calcium carbide, which contains trace amounts of arsenic and phosphorus, both of which are highly toxic to humans;
“Adulteration of food products with dangerous additives and preservative chemicals such as bromate, Sudan red colorant, sniper, formalin, among others,” he lamented.
He explained that the event was designed to inform, educate, and empower both consumers and industry stakeholders, fostering greater awareness about the importance of proper food handling, accurate labelling, regulatory compliance, and ethical conduct in the marketplace.
