The Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KCPC) has warned fruit sellers and citrus dealers against using chemicals or other substances to artificially ripen fruits or make them appear more attractive to consumers.
The Council issued the warning during an inspection visit to fruit markets across Kano State to assess how fruits were being sold and stored before distribution to the public.
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Speaking during the exercise, the Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, said the agency would continue to take necessary measures, in accordance with the law, to protect consumers’ rights and safeguard public health.
Dr Ibrahim said the Council had received information that some chemicals could be used to enhance the appearance of fruits or accelerate their ripening in order to attract consumers.
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He warned that the use of such substances could pose serious health risks and urged fruit sellers to desist from practices capable of endangering consumers.
The Executive Secretary reiterated that the Council would sustain regular inspections of fruit markets and take appropriate action whenever it discovers fruits or substances considered harmful to consumers.
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 comply with relevant regulations and avoid practices that could harm consumers.
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He pledged the association’s cooperation with the Council in efforts to protect consumers and improve standards in the fruit-selling business.
Safiyanu also commended the Kano State Government for its attention to issues affecting the welfare and development of residents, saying such efforts would contribute to the growth of the state’s economy.