The House of Representatives at its plenary session of Thursday, 19 April 2018 mandated its Committee on Health Care Services to investigate the Sale and Consumption of Artificially Ripened Fruits and report its findings back to the House within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Presenting the motion on the floor of the House Hon Edward Gyang Pwajok, (APC: Plateau) stated that there had been reported cases of ripening of fruits such as mango, banana, plantain and oranges with calcium carbide by fruit dealers in Nigeria in their bid to make inordinate profit and capitalize on the huge national demand for fruits. He expressed concern that the acts were capable of causing serious health problems because of the radioactive elements contained in the calcium carbide, which could cause cancer.

He mentioned that despite the warning by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) who warned Nigerians to shun the consumption of fruits ripened with calcium carbide, the practice remained ongoing as farmers and sellers continue to apply the noxious chemicals to the detriment of innocent buyers and consumers. He mentioned that part of the challenge on curbing the use of the chemical on the fruits was that consumers placed a high value on the fruits due to their high nutritional content.

The House of Representatives also resolved to urge the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to prevent the practice of ripening and sale of such adulterated fruits with calcium carbide and prosecute those involved in this unwholesome practice. In addition, it urged NAFDAC and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to immediately carry out a massive public enlightenment campaign to sensitize members of the public on the menace.