Registered dietitian-nutritionists have issued a stern warning to pregnant women about the dangers of consuming fruits ripened with calcium carbide, emphasizing the potential risks of brain and spinal cord injuries to unborn babies.
Health experts have cautioned that while all consumers of such fruits face the possibility of headaches, dizziness, and stomach discomfort, pregnant women and their developing babies are particularly vulnerable to severe health consequences.
The specialists explained that calcium carbide, when applied to fruits, releases acetylene gas, which can significantly reduce oxygen supply to the brain, leading to hypoxia—a condition where body tissues are deprived of adequate oxygen. This, they warned, poses a grave risk to foetal development.
The unethical practice of artificial fruit ripening remains widespread in Nigeria. Reports indicate that mangoes, pawpaw, bananas, and tomatoes are among the fruits commonly ripened using carbide, a substance known to contain harmful chemicals.
Recent regulatory actions have highlighted the severity of the issue. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) last week intercepted truckloads of mangoes in Gombe State that had been artificially ripened with calcium carbide. NAFDAC’s Gombe State Coordinator, James Agada, stated that consuming such fruits is hazardous to health, as calcium carbide contains toxic impurities like arsenic, lead, and phosphorus, which can contribute to cancer, heart disease, and organ failure.
Providing expert insights, Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist James Oloyede condemned the unscrupulous practices of fruit sellers and warned that the use of calcium carbide in fruit ripening significantly endangers consumers. He stressed that pregnant women who ingest these artificially ripened fruits increase their chances of neurological damage to their unborn babies due to reduced oxygen supply to the brain.
Oloyede, a former Director of Nutrition Services at Osun State Primary Health Care Board, explained that carbide-ripened fruits, while appearing ripe, pose substantial health risks. He noted that when calcium carbide reacts with moisture, it releases acetylene gas, mimicking the natural ripening process but introducing harmful substances into the fruit.
“This gas reduces oxygen supply to the brain, leading to prolonged hypoxia. Industrial-grade carbide contains toxic impurities such as arsenic and phosphorus, which can cause cancer due to their poisonous effects,” Oloyede explained.
He further highlighted the increased risks of cardiac arrest, colon cancer, skin burns, allergies, and damage to vital organs like the liver from consuming artificially ripened fruits.
“The dangers are multiplied for pregnant women because their growing foetus depends on a healthy supply of oxygen and nutrients. Toxic elements like arsenic and phosphorus can be transferred to the baby through the placenta, potentially leading to neurological disorders and developmental issues,” he warned.
Oloyede also pointed out that fruit sellers who handle calcium carbide are at even greater risk than consumers due to prolonged exposure. He listed headaches, dizziness, mood swings, sleeplessness, mental confusion, memory loss, and seizures as some of the effects of frequent contact with the chemical.
Consumers, he advised, should be cautious when purchasing fruits, developing an ‘eagle eye’ for identifying artificially ripened produce. He urged Nigerians, particularly pregnant women and children, to prioritize fresh, naturally ripened fruits to maintain optimal health.
Another expert, Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist Charles Oguikpe, explained that while calcium carbide accelerates the ripening process, it significantly reduces the nutritional value and shelf life of fruits. He warned that such fruits lack essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants crucial for overall health.
“Fruits ripened with carbide may appear visually appealing but do not develop their full flavour, aroma, or nutritional benefits as naturally ripened fruits do. Pregnant women, children, and the general public should avoid them,” Oguikpe cautioned.
He further explained that calcium carbide’s toxic impurities could trigger respiratory illnesses and neurological disorders. Prolonged exposure, he noted, could lead to symptoms like dizziness, headaches, confusion, and gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and diarrhoea.
To help consumers identify artificially ripened fruits, Oguikpe advised checking for uniform yellow colouring, unnatural texture, chemical odours, and bland taste. He noted that carbide-ripened fruits often have a deceptively ripe exterior but remain firm inside when pressed.
Experts have continued to call on regulatory agencies to enforce stricter measures to curb the sale and use of calcium carbide in fruit ripening. Public awareness campaigns, consumer education, and stringent penalties for violators have been recommended to protect public health.
As concerns grow over the health implications of chemically ripened fruits, consumers are urged to prioritize safety by sourcing fresh produce from trusted suppliers and washing fruits thoroughly before consumption.
