Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has raised concerns over food safety practices in Nigeria, warning that the appearance of fresh produce may not always reflect its safety for consumption. He made the call during a gardeners’ seminar in Lagos, where he highlighted the need for improved monitoring across the food supply chain.
Speaking at the Open Day for Gardeners’ Seminar themed “Leaving The Earth Better Than We Found It” on August 28, Osinbajo shared a personal experience involving his wife, Dolapo, whose freshly prepared orange juice was subjected to laboratory testing after she developed unexplained headaches.
According to Osinbajo, the test results showed that the juice was not suitable for human consumption, despite being freshly squeezed. He said the discovery prompted concerns about possible contamination during the process of producing and selling fruits before they reach consumers.
The former Vice President said the incident reflects a wider challenge involving the use of unsafe chemicals by some farmers and traders to speed up ripening and improve the appearance of fruits and vegetables. He specifically mentioned substances such as calcium carbide and other toxic chemicals as practices requiring urgent attention.
Osinbajo cited studies which he said revealed the use of chemicals among some fruit sellers and retailers in different parts of the country. He argued that the findings point to the need for stronger regulation, better enforcement and increased education for those involved in food production and distribution.
He advised consumers to be more cautious when purchasing food items, stressing that attractive appearance alone cannot guarantee safety. He also encouraged people to report suspicious practices while urging authorities to promote safer methods for farmers and traders.
The former Vice President’s remarks have added to ongoing concerns about consumer protection and the quality of products available in Nigerian markets. He said addressing the issue would require cooperation among regulators, producers, sellers and consumers to ensure safer food from farms to households.
