JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
…. The former vice president says unexplained headaches have prompted testing of fresh juice consumed daily
…raises the alarm over chemicals allegedly used to ripen and preserve fruit in Nigeria
Daud Olatunji
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has expressed concern about food safety in Nigeria after laboratory tests reportedly found that freshly squeezed orange juice consumed by his wife, Dolapo, was unfit for human consumption.
Osinbajo disclosed this while speaking at the Open Day of the gardeners seminar, themed “Leaving the land better than we found it”, held in Lagos on August 28.
According to the former vice president, his wife had abandoned carbonated drinks for freshly squeezed orange juice, believing the natural alternative was healthier.
However, he said he subsequently began experiencing unexplained headaches after incorporating the juice into his daily routine.
Osinbajo said Dolapo examined the food and drinks he consumed in an attempt to identify the possible cause of the headache before sending a sample of orange juice to a laboratory for testing.
He said laboratory results showed the juice was not fit for human consumption.
“The results are in. They showed that freshly squeezed orange juice was not fit for human consumption,” Osinbajo said.
The former vice president, however, did not reveal the name of the lab, the specific substance allegedly detected in the juice, or provide details on the test report.
“Fresh doesn’t always mean safe”
Osinbajo used the experience to draw attention to what he described as potential dangers associated with the use and abuse of chemicals along Nigeria’s food supply chain.
He said some farmers and traders use pesticides and other chemicals in the production, ripening and preservation of fruits and vegetables.
He expressed concern in particular about the use of calcium carbide to speed up the ripening of fruits such as bananas, mangoes, papayas and tomatoes.
It also mentioned chemicals including Sniper, phosphite, DDT and brodifacoum, claiming that some of these substances had been used in parts of the food supply chain.
Osinbajo cited studies that he said document the use of chemicals among fruit and vegetable vendors in Ekiti, Oyo and Lagos states.
He said a 2024 study conducted in Ekiti found that 10 out of 20 fruit sellers interviewed admitted to using calcium carbide, while a separate study conducted in Oyo reportedly found that 25% of fruit sellers interviewed admitted to using the substance.
He further said that a 2023 survey involving 50 fruit and vegetable retailers in Lagos found that 22 admitted to using chemicals to preserve their produce.
The former vice president warned that consumers should not equate freshness or natural appearance with safety.
“So just because fruit looks fresh doesn’t mean it’s safe,” he said.
He added that the fact that a drink is natural does not necessarily guarantee that it is free of harmful substances introduced during production, transportation, handling or processing.
WHO warns about exposure to pesticides
The World Health Organization has warned that pesticides can be toxic to humans, with potential health risks depending on factors including the type of chemical, the amount involved and the route of exposure.
The organization says pesticide residues can remain on foods where agricultural chemicals are not applied according to approved practices.
It recommends monitoring foods for pesticide residues and enforcing maximum residue limits intended to protect consumers.
The WHO also advises consumers to wash or peel fruit and vegetables where appropriate, noting that washing can help reduce pesticide residues and other contaminants.
Osinbajo calls for stricter controls
Osinbajo called for stricter regulation and enforcement across Nigeria’s food production, processing and distribution chain.
He urged farmers and traders to adopt safer methods of food production, storage and handling, while calling for greater public awareness of food safety risks.
It also encouraged consumers to ask questions about how fruits and vegetables are produced and processed, to wash produce properly and to report suspected unsafe practices to the relevant authorities.
His warning comes against a backdrop of growing concern over food safety, chemical use in agriculture, nutrition and sustainable food production in Nigeria and across Africa.
The former vice president’s account also renewed attention on the need for greater oversight and enforcement along the entire journey of food from farms and markets to consumers.
‘Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE
