Government to take action against sellers of chemically ripened fruits

The Kano State Government has warned fruit sellers and citrus dealers against using chemicals or other substances to artificially ripen fruits or make them look more attractive to buyers.

The warning was issued by the Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KCPC) during an inspection of fruit markets across the state.

The inspection was carried out to check how fruits were being stored, handled and sold before reaching consumers.

Speaking during the exercise, the Executive Secretary of the council, Dr Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, said the agency would continue to protect consumers from practices that could put their health at risk.

Muhammad said the council had received information that some chemicals were being used by traders to speed up the ripening of fruits or improve their appearance in order to attract customers.

He warned fruit sellers and dealers to stop the practice, stressing that the council would continue to inspect markets across the state.

The executive secretary said the council would take appropriate action whenever it discovered fruits or substances that could be harmful to consumers.

“We urge fruit sellers and dealers to comply with safety regulations and avoid any practice that could put the health of consumers at risk,” he said.

Responding to the warning, the Chairman of the Fruit Sellers and Citrus Dealers Association, Alhaji Safiyanu Abdullahi C.K., said the association was educating its members on the need to comply with safety regulations.

He said members were being encouraged to avoid practices that could harm consumers and ensure that fruits sold to the public were safe for consumption.

The council said it would continue its inspections as part of efforts to protect consumers and ensure compliance with food safety regulations across Kano State.