Oyo Government Seizes Chemically Ripened Mangoes, Warns Residents on Food Safety
Oyo State, February 6, 2026 — The Oyo State Government has intercepted and confiscated chemically ripened mangoes during a food safety operation at a local market in Oyo town, warning residents of the health risks posed by artificially treated fruits.
The enforcement exercise was conducted today by officials of the Department of Food, Water and Laboratory Services under the State Ministry of Health, following an anonymous tip-off. Authorities seized approximately 12 baskets of mangoes that had been artificially ripened with chemicals and were intended for sale to unsuspecting consumers.
Speaking during the operation, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, cautioned residents to verify the sources of their food, noting that chemical additives used to accelerate ripening or preserve food can pose serious long-term health risks.
“Some vendors soak unripe mangoes in chemicals to make them appear ripe within hours,” she said. “While these fruits may not cause immediate harm, prolonged consumption can lead to chemical build-up in the body, potentially resulting in cancer and other chronic health complications.”
Dr. Ajetunmobi advised the public on ways to identify chemically treated food items, highlighting that artificially ripened mangoes often show uneven colouring with green patches, vegetables may appear unnaturally bright, and chemically preserved meats tend to repel flies. She described the seizure as a warning to vendors engaged in unsafe practices and urged residents to avoid suspicious food products.
The Director of Food, Water and Laboratory Services, Dr. Afusat Akande, confirmed that the seizure followed a tip from a concerned member of the public. She added that the Ministry continues to engage market associations and vendors on food safety standards, emphasizing that offenders will face sanctions, and associations will be held accountable for unsafe practices in their markets.
Dr. Ajetunmobi also encouraged residents to consider home gardening as a reliable source of safe and healthy food, while advising parents to educate their children on making safe food choices, particularly in and around schools.
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Commissioner for Information, Oyo State
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