NEWSNAFDAC cautions against drug hawking, consumption of fruits ripened with calcium carbide

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned against patronising drug hawkers for treatment of any ailment as well as consuming fruits ripened with calcium carbide.


It noted that the warning was expedient due to the health implications of the two hydra-headed issues prevailing in the society.

The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof Moji Christiana Adeyeye, stated this on Thursday, during South-South Zone, NAFDAC Media Sensitization Workshop on “Dangers of Drug Hawking and Ripening of Fruits with Calcium Carbide” held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.


Adeyeye, represented by Dr Leonard Omokpariola, Director, Chemical Evaluation & Research, noted that calcium carbide contains impurities such as arsenic, lead particles, phosphorus, which pose several serious health hazards.

He added that consumption of fruits containing these impurities may cause cancer, heart, kidney and liver failure, frequent thirst, irritation in mouth and nose, weakness, permanent skin damage, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, skin ulcer and so forth.

The NAFDAC boss explained that the impurities are hazardous to pregnant women and children and may lead to headache, dizziness, mood disturbances, mental confusion, memory loss, cerebral oedema (swelling in the brain caused by excessive fluids), sleepiness and seizure.

He added, “Calcium Carbide is alkaline in nature and erodes the mucosal tissue in the abdominal region and disrupts intestinal functions.”