{
  "id": 3015888,
  "title": "We can’t keep quiet while market women use chemicals on fruits – Queen Mother",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/we-cant-keep-quiet-while-market-women-use-chemicals-on-fruits-queen",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-24T12:10:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/we-cant-keep-quiet-while-market-women-use-chemicals-on-fruits-queen-mother/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Queen Mother of the Bohye International Fruit Market, Beatrice Sowah, has criticized the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for what she perceives as insufficient enforcement against the use of chemicals on fruits and other food products at the market. Sowah stated that the issue of chemical use on fruits has been a growing concern, yet authorities seem to only react after public outcry. Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Sowah expressed frustration with the FDA's apparent lack of responsibility for protecting consumers from potentially harmful food practices. She questioned why the FDA only intensified its focus on the issue recently, suggesting the problem had existed for some time.\n\nSowah alleged that the FDA has been negligent in addressing the use of chemicals on fruits, which have since been sold to the public. She admitted to raising concerns with authorities regarding the issue previously, noting that she seldom consumes fruits due to the presence of chemicals. Sowah explained that while some fruits, such as oranges, are less susceptible to chemical treatment, others, such as watermelons and pawpaws, can be affected by chemicals. She also mentioned that fruits like bananas and plantains, especially when ripening, might have been treated with chemicals, prompting stronger monitoring and consumer education.\n\nAdditionally, Sowah alleged that some traders withhold information when disciplinary action is taken against them for violating market rules. She emphasized that she personally investigates complaints about traders before taking action. Sowah stated that traders found using chemicals and refusing to heed warnings could face expulsion from the market. She warned that if traders continue to use chemicals despite being advised, they would be dismissed without mercy. Sowah emphasized that her opposition to the practice stems from concerns about public health and consumer wellbeing, expressing her criticism in the market to highlight the dangers of consuming chemically treated fruits.",
  "summary": "Queen Mother of the Bohye International Fruit Market at Madina, Beatrice Sowah, has criticised the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) over what she describes as inadequate enforcement against the use of chemicals on fruits and other food products. According to her, the use of chemicals on fruits has become a growing concern, yet authorities appear […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "FDA keeps requesting letters while women use dangerous chemicals on food in the market – Queen Mother",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/fda-keeps-requesting-letters-while-women-use-dangerous-chemicals-on",
        "published": "2026-08-24T12:14:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}