Oyo Govt Seizes Toxic Mangoes, Warns of Cancer Risk

​The Oyo State Ministry of Health has intercepted several baskets of chemically ripened mangoes at a local market in Oyo town, sparking a fresh wave of warnings regarding food safety and the long-term health implications of “sharp practices” by vendors.

​During a targeted enforcement exercise conducted on Friday by the Department of Food, Water, and Laboratory Services, officials confiscated roughly 12 baskets of fruit. These mangoes had been artificially matured using hazardous chemicals—a process designed to turn immature, green fruit into yellow, “ripe” produce within hours to maximize profit.

​A Silent Health Crisis

​The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, who led the operation, emphasized that while these fruits might not cause immediate illness, they act as a “slow poison.”

​”The use of hazardous substances to hasten ripening poses serious health risks,” Dr. Ajetunmobi warned. “Prolonged consumption leads to a chemical build-up in the body, which is a known precursor to cancer and other chronic organ complications.”

​The raid followed a tip-off from a whistleblower, highlighting a growing trend where vendors prioritize speed over safety. The Ministry noted that it has been receiving an uptick in reports regarding the use of calcium carbide and other industrial chemicals in food preservation across the state.

​How to Spot the Danger

​To protect the public, the Ministry provided specific identifiers for chemically treated produce:

• ​Mangoes: Look for uneven coloring. Artificially ripened fruits often have bright yellow skin but retain hard, green patches and lack the typical sweet aroma.
• ​Vegetables: Be wary of greens that appear “unnaturally” vibrant or deep in color, which may indicate chemical dyes.
• ​Meat: A tell-tale sign of chemical preservation is the absence of flies; insects typically avoid meat treated with harsh preservatives.

​Zero Tolerance Policy

​Dr. Afusat Akande, Director of Food, Water, and Laboratory Services, stated that the Ministry is moving beyond mere advocacy. While they continue to sensitize market associations on safety standards, the state is now prepared to sanction offenders.

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​”Market associations will be held accountable for the practices within their domains,” Dr. Akande said. She also called on parents to monitor what their children buy from vendors near school premises.

​In the interim, the State Government is advocating for a return to “home-based gardening” to ensure families have direct control over the quality and safety of their food supply.