The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a public warning to Nigerians after reports of fruits being artificially ripened using calcium carbide. In a social media post on 26 August 2025, the agency urged consumers to avoid fruits ripened with the chemical and to report suspicious sellers.
What’s the issue?
Calcium carbide is sometimes used by unscrupulous traders to speed up the ripening of mangoes, bananas and other fruits. When calcium carbide comes into contact with moisture it produces gases that accelerate ripening, but the compound can contain toxic impurities. Eating fruit ripened this way may expose consumers to chemical residues and pose short-term health effects such as nausea, headaches and dizziness. Repeated or heavy exposure could carry more serious risks.
How to spot artificially ripened fruit
Consumers can reduce risk by learning a few warning signs:
Unnatural smell — a strong chemical or “gas” odour rather than the fruit’s normal fragrance.
Uneven ripening — very soft or rotten patches side-by-side with firm, underripe areas.
Too fast / too perfect — fruit that turns uniformly yellow overnight or ripens far sooner than expected.
Excessive softness — fruit that is unusually mushy or pulpy for its appearance.
Presence of powders or sachets — avoid fruits sold with unknown sachets or powders placed among them.
Practical tips for shoppers
Buy fruit from trusted markets and vendors with good reputations.
Prefer fruit that ripened naturally on the plant — check local harvest seasons.
Wash and, when appropriate, peel fruits before eating. Washing reduces surface residues but may not remove chemicals absorbed into the flesh.
When in doubt, discard suspicious fruit rather than risk food-related illness.
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