Carbide: Consumer Council cautions against harmful fruit ripening practice

The Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KSCPC) has inspected the Kano fruits market popularly known as “Yan Lemo” at Na’ibawa, to assess compliance with its directives against the use of carbide to accelerate fruit ripening.

The ​‌‍‍‍‍⁠⁠‌⁠‍‌​‌‌​​‌​Executive Secretary of the council, Dr Ibrahim Garba-Muhammad, disclosed this in a statement issued by the council’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Mr Jamilu Mustapha, on Friday in Kano.

According to him, the visit was to ensure compliance with corrective measures issued to traders to protect consumers from consuming harmful foods.

“The practice of carbide use is contrary to consumer protection regulations and guidelines.

“Our council will continue to support the association in ensuring compliance with its directives,” he said.

He warned that appropriate action would be taken against anyone who refused to comply.

Garba-Muhammad advised the leadership of ‘Yan Lemo Fruit Sellers’ Association to ensure that its members refrain from using carbide to artificially ripen fruits.

Earlier, the Chairman of ‘Yan Lemo Fruit Sellers’ Association, Malam Safiyanu Abdullahi, commended the council for the visit.

Abdullahi noted that the presence of KSCPC officials would strengthen the association’s efforts to discourage the use of harmful chemicals in fruit ripening.

The chairman added that the association would report anyone found violating the directive to the council for appropriate action.

He commended the state government and the council for their efforts to curb adulteration and harmful products for the safety and well-being of consumers in the state.‎

Vanguard News