Osinbajo Reveals Unsafe Orange Juice Findings

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo disclosed that a laboratory test on his wife Dolapo's freshly squeezed orange juice found it unfit for human consumption. He made this statement during the Open Day for Gardeners’ Seminar in Lagos on August 28.

Dolapo, who had stopped consuming carbonated drinks in favor of fresh orange juice, began experiencing unexplained headaches. After testing the juice, the results indicated it was unsafe.

Osinbajo pointed out that this incident reflects a broader issue of farmers and traders using dangerous chemicals, particularly calcium carbide, to ripen fruits. He cited a 2024 study where half of the interviewed fruit sellers admitted to using calcium carbide and referenced a 2023 Lagos survey where over half of 50 retailers acknowledged using chemicals to preserve produce.

Osinbajo emphasized that the appearance of fruits does not guarantee safety and called for stronger regulations, enforcement, and public education regarding safer practices.