Kano State government has warned farmers in the state to stop using calcium carbide, CaC2, for artificial ripening of fruits, in view of saying it causes cancer in human body.
The state Commissioner of Health, Kabiru Getso, made the stern warning on Thursday, at a press conference to mark this year’s World Malaria Day celebration.
According to Mr Getso, the state ministry of health had discovered that the dangerous chemical, which was extremely hazardous to human body, was being used by farmers, especially fruit sellers to ripen fruits.
He noted that the chemical, which contains traces of arsenic and phosphorus, can cause cancer and damages kidneys and liver in a human body.
“Now that the fasting period is by the corner, permit me to also draw the attention of the general public in a bad and hazardous practice that is now becoming common in our society today, which is artificial ripening of fruits using calcium carbide- CaC2.
“It is a known carcinogen -an agent having the ability to cause cancer in humans.
“This dangerous chemical is used by fruit sellers to artificially ripen fruits. It does this by generating low levels of ethylene has which can hasten the repining of fruits like banana, mangoes, etc.
“The artificially ripened fruits show uniform and rich color which buyers erroneously believe that the fruits is of a superior quality and will be tasty,” he said.
Mr Getso however stated that the state government had taken serious note of the unhealthy practice, adding that it was taking drastic measures to get rid of the perpetrators.
He also warned the farmers to immediately cease the illicit practice, just as the month of Ramadan was approaching, or face the wrath of the law.
The commissioner emphasized that the state government had accorded utmost priority to health and safety of lives of the people of Kano State.
