The Oyo State Ministry of Health has intercepted and seized chemically ripened fruits during a food safety enforcement exercise at a market in Oyo town.

The officials of the department of food, water and laboratory services of the state ministry of health carried out the successful operation on Friday following an anonymous tip-off.

During the exercise, about 12 baskets of mangoes artificially ripened with chemicals were confiscated, having been prepared for sale to unsuspecting members of the public.

Speaking during the enforcement activity, the commissioner for health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, warned residents to be cautious of the sources of the food they consumed.

The commissioner noted that the use of chemicals to preserve or enhance food items posed serious health risks.

She disclosed that the ministry had received increasing reports of sharp practices among some food vendors, including the use of hazardous substances to hasten fruit ripening.

Ms Ajetunmobi said the interception was carried out based on credible intelligence received by the ministry.

“The mandate of the ministry of health is to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Oyo State. Based on credible information received, our officers moved in immediately and intercepted these chemically ripened fruits before they got to consumers,” she said.

The commissioner explained that some vendors often soak unripe and immature mangoes in chemicals, causing them to appear ripe within hours.

She warned that while such fruits may not cause immediate harm, prolonged consumption could lead to chemical build-up in the body, which may result in cancer and other long-term health complications.

She also advised residents on how to identify chemically treated food items, noting that artificially ripened mangoes often have uneven colouring with green patches.

She added that vegetables may appear unnaturally green, while meats preserved with chemicals typically do not attract flies. 

Ms Ajetunmobi stressed that the interception served as a strong warning to other people engaging in unsafe food practices, urging residents to avoid patronising suspicious food items.

She further encouraged residents to adopt home-based gardening as a way of ensuring access to safe and healthy food.

In her remarks, the director of food, water and laboratory services, Afusat Akande, confirmed that the seizure followed a report from a concerned member of the public.

She added that the ministry had continued to engage food sellers’ associations across the state on food safety standards.

According to her, vendors and market associations have been sensitised and encouraged to report any unsafe practises within their markets.

She stressed that offenders would be sanctioned in line with existing regulations, while market associations would also be held accountable.

She also urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards to be mindful of the food they purchased and consumed, particularly within school environments.

(NAN)