The announcement came during a one-day sensitisation programme in Gombe State on the dangers of forced fruit ripening, adulterated palm oil, and contaminated meat and grains.

Mr. Olatunji Bello, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), represented by Dr. Nkechi Mba, Director of Quality Assurance and Development, condemned the use of toxic substances like calcium carbide, which contains arsenic and phosphorus, for ripening fruits. 

He warned that such practices pose severe public health risks and promised robust enforcement of food safety standards in collaboration with NAFDAC, SON, and other regulators.

“Any operator prioritizing profit over public safety will face the full wrath of the law,” Bello declared. 

He also cautioned vendors against adulterating palm oil, meat, and grains with harmful additives like bromate, Sudan red colorant, sniper, and formalin, urging compliance with hygiene standards, accurate labeling, and respect for consumer rights.

The FCCPC emphasized its mandate to protect consumers and ensure fair competition, highlighting the growing threat of unsafe food practices. 

The Gombe event aimed to educate stakeholders and consumers on proper food handling, regulatory compliance, and ethical market conduct to safeguard public health and promote accountability in Nigeria’s food supply chain.