Artificially-Ripened Foods: 420,000 People Die Annually From 600m Food-Borne Cases
Consumption of contaminated foods and artificially-ripened fruits poses a significant threat to global health, with an estimated 600 million cases of food-borne illnesses and 420,000 deaths occurring annually. This warning comes from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria.
During a sensitization workshop held in Ibadan, Oyo State, NAFDAC officials highlighted the dangers associated with consuming contaminated foods and fruits ripened using harmful substances like calcium carbide. The workshop aimed to educate journalists and raise awareness about the unethical practices of drug hawking and fruit ripening.
According to Mrs. Edward Eva, the Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at NAFDAC, approximately 420,000 people die each year due to food contamination, and children under the age of five account for 40% of these deaths. Unsafe food consumption contributes to 132,000 deaths and 91 million cases of acute food-borne diseases annually in Africa alone, making it the region with the highest number of cases globally.
Vulnerable populations such as infants, young children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems bear the brunt of food-borne diseases. The consequences of consuming contaminated foods include cancer, heart, kidney, and liver failure, as well as skin damage, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. Prolonged exposure can lead to fluid build-up in the lungs, while acetylene, produced by calcium carbide, affects the neurological system and reduces oxygen supply to the brain, causing hypoxia.
Mr. Omokpariola Patrick Leonard, the Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research at NAFDAC, warned against using calcium carbide to ripen fruits and paracetamol to tenderize meat. Artificially-ripened fruits contain impurities such as arsenic and lead particles, posing severe health hazards. These impurities can also result in cravings, mouth and nose irritation, weakness, skin ulcers, and various other complications. Furthermore, calcium carbide, when sprayed on grains, is explosive and hazardous to human health.
The President of the Association of Nigerian Health Journalists, Mr. Hassan Zaggi, emphasized the need for public awareness regarding the risks associated with contaminated foods and artificially-ripened fruits. Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, the Director of Public Affairs, and Pharma. Mathew Adeoye also attended the workshop, supporting NAFDAC’s efforts to educate the public on food safety concerns.
It is crucial for individuals to exercise caution when purchasing and consuming fruits or drugs solely based on their visual appeal. Unscrupulous individuals in society often exploit these preferences for profit, leading to unsuspecting consumers ingesting harmful substances disguised as safe products.
In conclusion, the issue of contaminated foods and artificially-ripened fruits poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. The efforts of organizations like NAFDAC to raise awareness and educate the public on these risks are essential for safeguarding communities from preventable food-borne illnesses. It is imperative for individuals to prioritize their health and make informed choices when purchasing and consuming food products.
