By Ijeoma Agbafo
Concerns over the use of chemicals to ripen fruits are prompting some Lagos residents to buy unripe produce and allow it to ripen naturally at home.
Some consumers who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday said reports of chemical ripening had made them more cautious when purchasing fruits such as plantains, bananas and mangoes.
They expressed fears that the practice could pose health risks and called on relevant authorities to intensify food safety awareness and monitoring. Some traders, however, said they relied on natural ripening methods and discouraged the use of chemicals, noting that consumer safety should remain a priority.
A medical expert, Dr Gerald Chinasa, warned against the use of substances such as carbide to ripen fruits, describing the practice as unsafe and potentially harmful to consumers.
He urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to strengthen market surveillance and enforce food safety regulations, while advising consumers to properly wash and inspect fruits before consumption.
