FG raises the alarm over carbide-ripened fruits, paracetamol-treated meat in markets

The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed alarm over the use of harmful chemicals in food sold in markets, including calcium carbide for fruit ripening, paracetamol for softening meat, and the use of detergents in cassava processing. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, warned that these practices endanger lives, undermine consumer confidence, and compromise food security.

Udeh also highlighted other dangerous practices such as the adulteration of palm oil with prohibited colourants like Sudan IV and the unauthorised use of chemicals in beans and grains. He announced plans to strengthen food safety monitoring by deploying qualified food science and technology professionals, particularly at the local government level, to ensure proper inspection, processing, and quality control.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.