FG Raises Alarm Over Use Of Chemicals To Ripen Fruits, Soften Meat

The federal government has raised concerns over the use of harmful chemicals in food processing and preservation in Nigeria, warning against practices such as using calcium carbide to ripen fruits, paracetamol to soften meat and detergents in cassava processing.
 
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, also identified the treatment of beans and grains with unauthorised chemicals and the adulteration of palm oil with prohibited colourants such as Sudan IV as dangerous practices threatening public health.
Udeh spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at an event marking the 2026 World Science Day for Peace and Development, themed “Common Ground Through Science Diplomac...