Alarm as Report Claims Fruit Sellers Use Detergents to Make Produce Shine

Concerns over food safety have emerged following reports that some fruit vendors in Nigerian markets allegedly use household detergents and liquid soaps to wash produce and make it appear cleaner and more attractive to buyers.

According to a report by Economy & Lifestyle, the practice involves washing fruits such as watermelons, bananas, apples, mangoes and citrus fruits with cleaning products to remove dirt and create a glossy appearance.

The report said some traders resort to the method to attract customers, reduce spoilage losses and increase sales in competitive market environments.

A fruit vendor, who spoke anonymously, reportedly said customers were more likely to buy fruits that looked clean and fresh, adding that detergent helped remove dirt and gave produce a shiny appearance.

However, not all traders support the practice. Audu Musa, a fruit seller, said he did not use detergents on his produce, explaining that he displayed his fruits in their natural condition because some customers preferred them that way.

The report further alleged that some fruits washed with detergent were displayed without being properly rinsed, potentially leaving cleaning-product residues on their surfaces.

Health concerns over detergent residues

Household laundry detergents and liquid soaps are not designed for washing food that will be eaten. Their ingredients may cause harm if swallowed, making their use on fruits a potential food safety concern.

Depending on the product and amount ingested, detergent residues may cause irritation of the mouth and digestive tract, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

The report quoted gastroenterologist Dr Amara Nwosu as warning about possible health consequences associated with ingesting detergent residues. However, the specific claims about chronic kidney damage, liver toxicity and disruption of the gut microbiome require further evidence and should not be treated as established outcomes from occasional exposure.

Consumers should also note that a shiny appearance alone does not prove that a fruit has been washed with chemicals, just as a dull appearance does not guarantee safety.

Consumers express concern

The report also highlighted growing concerns among shoppers about the safety of fruits sold in open markets.

Halima Yunusa, identified as a trader, expressed concern that produce purchased to support family health could potentially expose consumers to harmful substances if unsafe cleaning methods were used.

She called for stronger oversight of market practices and greater attention to food safety.

The allegations have renewed calls for vendors to adopt safe handling practices and for relevant authorities to investigate suspected misuse of household cleaning products on food.

How consumers can reduce the risk

Consumers are advised to take practical precautions when preparing fresh fruits:

• Wash fruits under clean, running water. Rub firm produce gently with clean hands or a suitable produce brush.
• Avoid using laundry detergent or household soap. These products are not intended for washing food.
• Rinse produce thoroughly. Washing helps remove dirt and some surface residues, although it cannot eliminate every pesticide or contaminant.
• Cut away damaged areas. Discard produce that is rotten or shows signs of contamination.
• Peel when appropriate. Peeling may reduce some surface contamination, but it does not guarantee that a fruit is free of harmful substances.
• Report suspected unsafe practices. Consumers can contact relevant food safety authorities for guidance or to report suspected violations.

The report underscores the importance of safe food handling and effective market inspections. Any allegations that vendors are applying household detergents to fruit should be investigated by the appropriate authorities, while consumers should rely on safe washing practices rather than appearance alone when choosing produce.