FDA cautions against use of chemicals for plantain ripening
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned traders and the general public against the indiscriminate use of chemicals to accelerate the ripening of plantain. The warning follows a video circulating on social media alleging the use of a chemical substance to ripen plantain at the Madina Market in Accra. The FDA, in collaboration with […]
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a warning to traders and consumers about the unsafe practice of using chemicals to expedite the ripening of plantains. This caution came after a video surfaced on social media claiming that a chemical substance was used to ripen plantains at the Madina Market in Accra. The FDA, working alongside the Environmental Health Unit of the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly, investigated the incident and spoke with traders and the individual seen in the video.
The investigation revealed that the chemical suspected to be used in ripening plantains is Ethemax, which contains Ethephon 480 g/L SL as its active ingredient. Ethemax is classified as a plant growth regulator and carries a "Harmful" hazard warning. The FDA has pinpointed the trader responsible for selling and distributing the product within the market.
The FDA is taking regulatory action against those who sell, distribute, or misuse the product without proper authorization. They emphasize that agricultural chemicals must be utilized strictly according to their approved conditions of use and label instructions. Inappropriate use, such as incorrect concentrations or using chemicals on commodities they are not authorized for, could pose food safety risks and lead to unacceptable chemical residues.
The FDA strongly advises against the indiscriminate use of chemicals or other substances to hasten plantain ripening, stressing that these practices could jeopardize food safety and public health. They have urged consumers to buy fruits and vegetables from trustworthy sources and to wash fresh produce thoroughly with potable water before eating.
The FDA has pledged to continue its efforts in food safety education and market surveillance to promote the safe handling and marketing of fruits and vegetables. They encourage members of the public to report any suspected unsafe food handling, processing, storage, or misuse of chemicals to the FDA for immediate investigation.
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