Survey on the Use of Calcium Carbide as Ripening Agent in Ilorin Metropolis

This research work examined the use of calcium carbide as ripening agent for banana and plantain in major markets within Ilorin metropolis. Open ended/structured questionnaires were administered to banana/plantain handlers in six different markets, afterward samples of ripe banana and plantain were also collected from different points in each market at the same time for physicochemical and mineral analyses. Results showed that a total of 85 respondents returned their questionnaires from all the markets; of which majority were female (99 percent), 89 percent of them were married, only 35 percent had formal education, 94 percent of them do store their plantain/banana, 83 percent were aware of the use of calcium carbide in ripening of plantain/banana but only 1 percent admitted using it. Comparing with the control samples, the physicochemical and mineral analyses showed that there were reduced moisture and vitamin C contents with increased values of arsenic and phosphorus being recovered from banana and plantain samples. Many authors had associated induced ripening with the use of ripening agent such as calcium carbide with reduced moisture and vitamin C contents with elevated values of arsenic and phosphorus in ripe fruits which had many health risks. Samples of banana and plantain collected from Ilorin markets were probably forced ripen with artificial ripening agents. The needs for constant education of the public especially fruits handlers on the health implications of the use of calcium carbide as ripening agent cannot be overemphasized.