A woman has been arrested at the Madina Market in Accra over the alleged sale of chemicals suspected to be used to accelerate the ripening of bananas and plantains.
The arrest was made on Tuesday, August 19, during an operation involving the Madina-La Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly, the Madina Police and personnel from the Environmental Health Unit.
The operation followed concerns raised by traders over the alleged use of unapproved substances to speed up the ripening of fruits and other farm produce sold at the market.
The concerns came to the attention of authorities during an engagement between officials of the Municipal Assembly and traders at the Madina Market on August 12.
Some traders alleged that chemicals were being applied to fruits, particularly bananas and plantains, to make them ripen faster.
Following the concerns, the Municipal Chief Executive for La Nkwantanang-Madina, Ibrahim Fialla, directed the Environmental Health Unit to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action.
Mr Fialla said the Assembly would increase monitoring at the market and conduct a wider search to identify traders who may be selling or using unauthorised substances.
One trader who initially raised the alarm also claimed that her son became ill after eating bananas she suspected had been treated with the substance.
According to the report, the child was taken for medical treatment and has since been discharged.
However, there is currently no confirmed evidence establishing that the child’s illness was caused by the suspected chemical.
Any connection between the illness and the alleged substance would have to be established through appropriate medical and laboratory examinations.
The Municipal Chief Executive has urged traders and members of the public to remain calm while investigations continue.
He cautioned against claims or actions that could create unnecessary fear and panic among consumers.
The Assembly says the exercise is not limited to enforcement. Authorities also intend to educate traders about the potential dangers associated with using unapproved chemicals on food products.
Some traders have expressed concern that the alleged practice could extend beyond Madina Market to other fruit markets.
They have therefore called on the Municipal Assembly and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to broaden their surveillance and investigations.
The FDA has also assured the public that steps are being taken to address the concerns surrounding the alleged use of unauthorised chemicals.
Authorities have cautioned the public against assuming that all bananas or plantains sold at Madina Market or elsewhere have been treated with chemicals.
Investigations, including any necessary laboratory tests, are expected to establish what substances were allegedly being used and whether they present any risk to consumers.
For now, authorities are continuing their investigations as they work to establish the extent of the alleged practice and determine what further action may be required.
Source: MyJoyOnline/JoyNews.
