The Kano State Government has warned fruit sellers and citrus dealers against using chemicals or other substances to artificially ripen fruits or make them more attractive to consumers.
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 and sold before they reached consumers.
Speaking during the exercise, the Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, said the agency would continue to protect consumers and take action against practices that could endanger public health.
Ibrahim said the council had received information that some chemicals could be used to improve the appearance of fruits or speed up their ripening to attract buyers.
He warned sellers against such practices and said the council would continue to carry out regular inspections of fruit markets.
The Executive Secretary said appropriate action would be taken whenever the council discovered fruits or substances considered 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.”
Responding, 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 follow relevant regulations.
He said members were being encouraged to avoid practices that could harm consumers.
Stop ripening fruits with chemicals – Kano govt warns sellers