Taraba State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Prof Nicholas Namessan Oliver, has warned residents against consuming fruits ripened with harmful chemicals, describing sellers of such products as “merchants of death.”

Speaking on the growing trend, in a statement issued on Friday, in Jalingo, the state capital, the Commissioner said the Ministry has uncovered widespread use of calcium carbide to artificially ripen fruits such as bananas, oranges, mangoes, and avocados.

He stressed that the substance contains toxic impurities including arsenic, lead, and phosphorus that pose serious health risks.

According to the commissioner, fruits forced to ripen with calcium carbide lose their natural nutrients and may become poisonous, exposing consumers to cancer and life threatening conditions such as heart, kidney, and liver failure.

He added that chemically ripened fruits often suffer deterioration in colour, taste, and aroma, making them inferior to naturally ripened produce.

He urged the public to carefully inspect fruits before purchase to avoid buying items that could lead to severe illness or even premature death.

The Commissioner emphasized the need for continued public awareness to curb the rising sale of such contaminated produce in markets.

The Ministry warned that anyone caught engaging in the practice within Taraba State will face legal consequences.

Commissioner warns against chemically ripened fruits in Taraba