National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has begun sensitising the public about the dangers of using calcium carbide to ripen fruits and azo dye to thicken and colour palm oil in Yobe.

The state’s coordinator of NAFDAC, Lawan Dadingelma, said this in an interview on Friday in Damaturu, the state capital.

Mr Dadingelma said the practices were harmful and could lead to serious health problems, hence the decision to sensitise the people.

According to him, calcium carbide is a dangerous chemical that can damage the body’s organs when ingested.

He also described azo dye as a carcinogenic compound that can cause cancer.

Mr Dadingelma urged the general public to avoid consuming fruits that had been ripened with calcium carbide and palm oil that had been thickened and coloured with azo dye.

The NAFDAC coordinator urged packaged water manufacturers and bakers to maintain good manufacturing practices to ensure their products were safe and wholesome for human consumption.

He said that the agency had, during the campaign, recognised and rewarded some traditional rulers who were championing the fight against harmful food practices.

“During the campaign, NAFDAC officials visited the Emirs of Bade, Potiskum and Fika and presented them with awards of recognition,” he said.

Mr Dadingelma encouraged Nigerians to join the fight against harmful food practices.

“The agency will not hesitate to shut down businesses that are found to be using harmful chemicals in their products,” he warned. 

(NAN)