The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned traders and the general public against the use of chemicals to accelerate the ripening of plantain, following investigations into a viral video showing the alleged practice at the Madina Market in Accra.
The FDA said its attention was drawn to the video circulating on social media about the alleged use of a chemical substance to accelerate plantain ripening at the market.
It said as part of its mandate to protect public health and safety, the Authority, in collaboration with the Environmental Health Unit of the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly, initiated investigations into the matter, engaging traders in the market as well as the individual featured in the video to establish the veracity of the claims.
Preliminary findings from the investigation established that the product reportedly used by some traders to accelerate the ripening of plantain is Ethemax, which contains Ethephon 480 g/L SL as its active ingredient.
The FDA said Ethemax was labelled as a plant growth regulator and carried a “Harmful” hazard warning, adding that the investigation had also identified the trader involved in the sale and distribution of the product within the market.
The Authority said it was, in collaboration with relevant authorities, taking appropriate regulatory action against those engaged in the unauthorised sale, distribution or inappropriate use of the product.
The public was advised to use agricultural chemicals strictly in accordance with approved conditions of use and label instructions.
The FDA warned that inappropriate use, including incorrect concentrations or application to commodities for which a product is not authorised, could present food safety concerns, and said it would not hesitate to apply the requisite sanctions under such circumstances.
“We caution against the indiscriminate use of chemicals or other substances to accelerate plantain ripening, as any inappropriate use may result in unacceptable chemical residues and potentially compromise food safety,” the notice said.
Consumers were encouraged to obtain fruits and vegetables from trusted sources and to wash fresh produce thoroughly with potable water before consumption.
The FDA 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 may compromise food safety and public health.
The public was encouraged to report suspected unsafe food handling, processing, storage or inappropriate chemical uses to the FDA for prompt investigation.
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