Lagos, June 24, 2026 — Growing concerns have emerged among residents of Lagos over the use of chemicals to artificially ripen fruits, with many consumers opting to purchase unripe produce and allow it to ripen naturally at home.
The concerns were expressed by consumers, traders, and a medical practitioner in separate interviews on Wednesday, with warnings that the practice may pose serious public health risks and weaken trust in food safety standards.
Fruits such as bananas, plantains, and mangoes remain widely consumed in Nigeria due to their nutritional benefits and affordability. However, allegations that some traders accelerate ripening using chemicals have continued to raise public anxiety.
A Lagos resident, Mrs. Funke Adebayo, said she now prefers buying unripe plantains to ensure they ripen naturally at home, adding that this gives her greater confidence in what her family consumes.
Another consumer, Mr. Tunde Adebayo, noted that while fruits are generally considered healthy, reports of chemical usage in ripening processes have made buyers more cautious.
A third respondent, Mrs. Chioma Nwosu, called for stronger public awareness campaigns on food safety and proper handling of fresh produce.
Some traders interviewed said they rely on natural methods for ripening fruits and discourage the use of chemicals.
A plantain seller at Oyingbo Market, Mrs. Jadesola Akinyemi, stated that she avoids chemical use, explaining that she prefers safer, traditional ripening methods. She added that customers can also speed up ripening by storing plantains in dark, enclosed conditions.
Another trader, Mrs. Kemi Balogun, acknowledged awareness of chemical ripening practices among some sellers, often driven by the desire to reduce post-harvest losses, but advised consumers to be cautious when fruits appear unusually ripe.
A medical expert, Dr. Gerald Chinasa, a general physician and head of the medical team at Heritage Advancement Forum, warned against the use of substances such as carbide for ripening fruits, describing them as unsafe for human consumption.
He explained that only approved food additives that pass regulatory safety standards should be used, stressing that carbide-based ripening practices expose consumers to harmful chemicals.
Dr. Chinasa emphasized that fruits should be allowed to ripen naturally, noting that artificial methods may compromise both their nutritional value and safety.
He urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to intensify market surveillance and regularly test food items to curb unsafe practices.
He also advised consumers to properly wash and inspect fruits before eating and to report any suspicious food-handling practices to relevant authorities, adding that stricter enforcement of food safety laws would help protect public health.