Dangers Of Consuming Artificially Ripened Fruits

Nigerians have been advised to avoid fruits and vegetables that do not have uniform colours, especially when they appear with yellow and green patches.

This warning was sent out by a Nutritionist, Dr Grace Olasumbo, during an interview with NAN on the health implication of artificially ripened fruit.

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Mostly prevalent at the beginning of a fruit season Olasumbo said the chemicals used in these practice contain carcinogenic agents which causes cancer.

“This is the same chemical that is used to manufacture fire-crackers; they are also used as pesticides.

“They contain phosphorous and releases acetylene gas, which hastens the ripening of fruits,” she said.

“When an individual takes in such poisonous substance, the chemical components would cause a fatal reaction which could affect the liver, kidney and throat.

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“Intake of Calcium Carbide has also been found to be the leading cause of various health conditions such as diarrhoea, severe gastrointestinal upset, eye problems, ulcers and emotional trauma.

“Others are restlessness, seizures, tremors, irritation of the skin, mouth, throat, liver and cancer.” she added

Still on the matter the nutritionist pleaded with the Federal Government to put in place measures to survey this practice so as to make its consumption healthy for Nigerians.

“Fruits such as bananas, mangoes, apples, watermelons, orange, peers, among others, should be properly checked.

“Most times, the colour of the fruits will not be uniform; it may have yellow and green patches unlike when it naturally ripens.

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“The texture will also be hard even when it appears yellow. The fruits will also be low on flavour, less juicy and often will not be as sweet as they should.”

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