By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Oyo State Government has seized 12 baskets of chemically ripened mangoes in a market enforcement operation in Oyo town, warning residents against the growing dangers of unsafe food practices.
The operation, carried out by officials of the Department of Food, Water and Laboratory Services under the State Ministry of Health, followed an anonymous tip-off regarding the use of hazardous substances to artificially ripen fruits for public consumption.
According to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the confiscated mangoes were deliberately treated with chemicals to hasten ripening and make them appear ready for sale within hours.
She explained that such practices may not cause immediate illness but can result in long-term health consequences due to chemical accumulation in the body.
“Based on credible intelligence received, our officers moved swiftly and intercepted these chemically ripened fruits before they reached consumers,” she said during the enforcement exercise.
The Commissioner warned that prolonged consumption of chemically treated fruits could increase the risk of cancer and other chronic health conditions.
How to Identify Chemically Treated Fruits
Dr. Ajetunmobi advised residents to remain vigilant, noting that:
- Artificially ripened mangoes often have uneven colouring with green patches
- Vegetables may appear unnaturally bright or overly green
- Chemically preserved meat typically does not attract flies
She described the seizure as a strong warning to vendors engaged in unsafe food handling practices and stressed that the Ministry will intensify surveillance operations across markets in the state.
In her remarks, the Director of Food, Water and Laboratory Services, Dr. Afusat Akande, confirmed that the seizure was prompted by a concerned citizen’s report.
She disclosed that the Ministry has been working closely with food sellers’ associations to strengthen compliance with food safety regulations. According to her, both individual offenders and market associations will face sanctions where violations are established.
The government also encouraged residents to embrace home gardening as a safer alternative to ensure access to fresh and chemical-free food.
Parents and guardians were urged to educate their children about the dangers of purchasing suspicious food items, particularly within school environments.
The Oyo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and maintaining strict enforcement against unsafe food practices.
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Oyo Govt Seizes Chemically Ripened Mangoes in Market, Issues Public Health Warning
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