FDA cautions against use of chemicals 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.

The caution follows an investigation into a video circulating on social media alleging that a chemical substance was being used to ripen plantain at the Madina Market in Accra.

The FDA said its preliminary findings identified the product reportedly used by some traders as Ethemax, which contains Ethephon 480 g/L SL as its active ingredient.

The Authority said Ethemax is labelled as a plant growth regulator and carries a “Harmful” hazard warning.

“The product reportedly used by some traders to accelerate the ripening of plantain is Ethemax. It contains Ethephon 480 g/L SL as its active ingredient,” the FDA said in a public notice issued on Monday, August 17.

The investigation was conducted in collaboration with the Environmental Health Unit of the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly.

According to the FDA, its officials engaged traders at the market and the individual featured in the video to establish the veracity of the claims.

The FDA said it was taking appropriate regulatory action, together with relevant authorities, against persons involved in the unauthorised sale, distribution or inappropriate use of the product.

It cautioned that the inappropriate use of agricultural chemicals, including applying incorrect concentrations or using products on commodities for which they are not authorised, could create food safety concerns.

“Inappropriate use, including incorrect concentrations or application to commodities for which a product is not authorised, may present food safety concerns,” the FDA cautioned.

The Authority urged traders to use agricultural chemicals strictly in accordance with approved conditions of use and label instructions.