Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has raised concerns over the use of potentially harmful chemicals to ripen and preserve fruits and vegetables, recounting how his wife, Dolapo, developed unexplained headaches after regularly drinking freshly squeezed orange juice.
Osinbajo disclosed this while speaking at the Open Day of the Gardeners’ Seminar, themed “Leaving the Earth Better Than We Found It,” held in Lagos on August 28. A video of the event was later shared on his YouTube channel.
According to him, his wife had switched from carbonated drinks to fresh orange juice, which she considered a healthier option. However, she began experiencing frequent headaches after making the juice a daily habit.
Osinbajo said the family initially did not suspect the orange juice because it was regarded as a healthy drink. However, after other possible causes were ruled out, a sample was sent to a laboratory for testing.
He said the test showed that the freshly squeezed orange juice was “not fit for human consumption.”
The former vice-president linked the incident to the broader practice of using chemicals in the production, ripening and preservation of farm produce.
He specifically raised concerns about the use of calcium carbide to accelerate the ripening and colour change of fruits such as bananas, mangoes, pawpaw and tomatoes. He also warned that some farmers and traders use dangerous pesticides and other chemicals on food products.
Osinbajo cited studies which, he said, highlighted the extent of the problem. He referred to a 2024 study in Ado-Ekiti in which 10 of 20 fruit sellers interviewed reportedly admitted using calcium carbide. He also cited research in Uyo where 25 per cent of sellers surveyed reportedly admitted using the chemical.
He further said a 2023 survey involving 50 fruit and vegetable retailers in Lagos found that 22 admitted using chemicals to preserve their produce.
Osinbajo stressed that the appearance of food should not be taken as proof of its safety, warning that harmful substances could enter food at different points between the farm and the consumer.
He consequently called for stronger regulation and enforcement, greater public awareness and the adoption of safer practices by farmers and traders.
He also urged consumers to be more vigilant, ask questions about how produce is handled and report suspicious practices to relevant authorities.
