Some consumers in Lagos say fears over the use of chemicals to ripen fruits have prompted them to buy unripe produce and allow it to ripen naturally at home.
The consumers, alongside traders and a medical expert, expressed concern over the practice, warning that it could pose risks to public health and undermine confidence in food safety.
They disclosed this in separate interviews with newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos.
Newsmen reports that fruits such as plantains, bananas and mangoes are widely consumed across Nigeria because of their nutritional value and affordability.
However, concerns have persisted over reports that some traders use chemicals to hasten the ripening process and make fruits available for sale more quickly.
Mrs Funke Adebayo, a housewife, told newsmen that she preferred buying unripe plantains and allowing them to ripen naturally at home.
According to her, concerns about chemical use have made her more cautious when purchasing fruits.
“I prefer to buy unripe plantains and allow them to ripen naturally. That way, I am more confident about what my family consumes,” she said.
Another consumer, Mr Tunde Adebayo, said reports of chemical ripening had made him more careful when buying fruits.
“We buy fruits because they are healthy, but if chemicals are used, it becomes a concern for consumers,” he said.
Mrs Chioma Nwosu also urged relevant authorities to intensify public education on food safety and proper fruit handling.
Some traders who spoke with NAN said they relied on natural ripening methods and discouraged the use of chemicals.
Mrs Jadesola Akinyemi, a plantain trader at Oyingbo Market, said she allowed her plantains to ripen naturally.
“I do not use chemicals because I believe it is safer for consumers.
“Sometimes I advise customers to place plantains in black nylon bags and keep them in a dark place to speed up ripening,” she said.
Another fruit trader, Mrs Kemi Balogun, said she had heard of chemical ripening practices among some traders seeking to reduce losses.
She advised consumers to be cautious when purchasing fruits that appeared unusually ripe.
Commenting on the issue, Dr Gerald Chinasa, General Physician and Head of Medical Team, Heritage Advancement Forum, described the use of substances such as carbide to ripen fruits as unsafe.
According to him, approved food additives are expected to undergo proper safety checks before use.
“The use of carbide to ripen fruits does not qualify as a safe food additive. It is a malpractice that can expose consumers to harmful substances,” he said.
Chinasa said fruits should ideally ripen naturally, noting that the use of chemicals could affect their quality and safety.
He called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to strengthen surveillance of foods sold in markets and conduct regular testing of fruits and other food items.
The physician also urged consumers to wash and inspect fruits properly before consumption and report suspicious practices to relevant authorities.
According to him, stricter enforcement of food safety regulations will help curb the use of unsafe chemicals and protect public health.