The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has cautioned traders in Kano State against the adulteration of food products with harmful additives and preservatives such as bromate, Sudan red colorant, sniper, and formalin.
The warning was issued by the FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Tunji Bello, during a one-day sensitisation campaign on food quality standards, safety, regulation, and fair business practices, held in Kano on Tuesday.
Bello, who was represented by the Director of Quality Assurance and Development, Dr. Nkechi Mba, said access to safe and nutritious food is a fundamental human right and a critical component of public health, economic development, and national security.
He decried the increasing cases of food adulteration and unsafe handling practices across the value chain, describing them as serious threats to consumer safety.
“We continue to witness alarming trends such as the forceful ripening of fruits using harmful chemicals like calcium carbide, which contains trace amounts of arsenic and phosphorus—both highly toxic to humans,” Bello said.
He added that several food vendors still use dangerous additives and preservatives, including bromate, Sudan red colorant, sniper, and formalin, to enhance appearance or prolong shelf life, warning that such practices expose consumers to severe health risks.
The FCCPC boss also condemned poor hygiene in food markets, inadequate waste disposal, and unhygienic storage methods that lead to contamination by flies, insects, and rodents.
He urged traders to adopt safe, standard, and fair business practices, assuring that the Commission would continue to enforce regulations that protect consumers and promote a healthier food system in Nigeria.
