The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned traders and the public against the indiscriminate use of chemicals to accelerate the ripening of plantain and other fruits, warning that inappropriate application could compromise food safety.
The warning follows a viral social media video alleging that chemicals were being used to ripen plantain at the Madina Market in Accra, with claims that the practice could expose consumers to substances injurious to human health.
In response, the FDA, in collaboration with the Environmental Health Unit of the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly, investigated the matter by engaging traders at the market and the individual featured in the video.
The preliminary investigation established that the product reportedly being used by some traders to accelerate the ripening of plantain was Ethemax, a product containing ethephon 480 g/L SL as its active ingredient.
According to the FDA, Ethemax is labelled as a plant growth regulator and carries a “Harmful” hazard warning.
The investigation also identified the trader involved in the sale and distribution of the product within the market, following which the FDA said it engaged her on the matter.
The Authority said it was taking appropriate regulatory action, in collaboration with relevant authorities, against persons engaged in the unauthorised sale, distribution or inappropriate use of the product.
The FDA stressed that agricultural chemicals must be used strictly in accordance with their approved conditions of use and label instructions.
It warned that inappropriate use, including applying incorrect concentrations or using a product on commodities for which it has not been authorised, could create food safety concerns.
The Authority further cautioned that the indiscriminate use of chemicals or other substances to accelerate plantain ripening could result in unacceptable chemical residues on food and potentially compromise consumer safety.
However, the FDA’s statement did not establish that all plantain sold at Madina Market, or plantain generally, had been contaminated or was unsafe for consumption.
The Authority instead urged consumers to obtain fruits and vegetables from trusted sources and wash fresh produce thoroughly with potable water before consumption.
It said it would continue its food safety education and market surveillance activities to promote the safe handling and marketing of fruits and vegetables and discourage practices that could compromise public health.
The FDA also appealed to members of the public to report suspected unsafe food handling, processing and storage practices, as well as inappropriate chemical use, to enable prompt investigation and regulatory action.
The warning comes amid growing public concern following the circulation of social media claims about the use of chemicals to speed up the ripening of plantain and banana.
The FDA, however, said its preliminary findings related specifically to the product identified during its investigation and cautioned against drawing broader conclusions beyond the evidence established so far.
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