FDA cautions against chemical use to ripen plantain
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 […] The post FDA cautions against…
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a warning to traders and consumers about the unsafe use of chemicals to hasten the ripening of plantain and other fruits. This caution was prompted by a viral video showing chemicals allegedly being used to ripen plantain at the Madina Market in Accra. The FDA, working with the Environmental Health Unit of the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly, investigated the market and found that some traders were using Ethemax, a chemical containing ethephon 480 g/L SL.
Ethemax is classified as a plant growth regulator and is labeled as harmful. The FDA has taken regulatory action against those found selling or distributing this unauthorized product, emphasizing the importance of following approved usage conditions. The Authority urged consumers to buy fruits and vegetables from reliable sources and to wash them thoroughly before eating, warning that the misuse of chemicals could lead to unsafe chemical residues on food.
The FDA encouraged consumers to report any unsafe food handling practices, particularly the use of chemicals, to ensure prompt investigation and appropriate action. This warning comes amid growing public concern over social media claims about the unregulated use of chemicals to speed up the ripening of plantain and banana.
Written by urgent.news from The Chronicle Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
