The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned traders and the general public against the indiscriminate use of agricultural chemicals to accelerate the ripening of plantains, warning that inappropriate applications could leave unacceptable chemical residues on food and compromise public health. The warning follows an investigation into a video circulating on social media alleging that a chemical substance was being used to hasten the ripening of plantains at the Madina Market in Accra.
In a public notice issued on Monday August 17, 2026, the FDA said it initiated investigations in collaboration with the Environmental Health Unit of the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly after its attention was drawn to the video. As part of the investigation, officials engaged traders at the market and identified the individual featured in the video to establish the authenticity of the claims and determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged use of the substance.
According to the FDA’s preliminary findings, the product reportedly being used by some traders to accelerate plantain ripening is Ethamax 480 g/l SL, whose active ingredient is ethephon. The Authority said Ethamax is labelled as a plant growth regulator and carries a “Harmful” hazard warning. The investigation also identified the trader involved in the sale and distribution of the product within the market, allowing the FDA to engage directly with her as part of its inquiries.
The FDA said it is working with relevant authorities to take appropriate regulatory action against persons involved in the unauthorized sale, distribution or inappropriate use of the product. The Authority stressed that agricultural chemicals must be used strictly in accordance with their approved conditions of use and label instructions. It warned that inappropriate use—including applying incorrect concentrations or using a chemical on commodities for which it has not been authorised—could create food-safety risks.
The FDA said it would not hesitate to apply the requisite sanctions where such violations are established. It further cautioned against the indiscriminate use of chemicals or other substances to accelerate plantain ripening, noting that improper application could result in unacceptable chemical residues and potentially compromise food safety. The FDA also urged consumers to obtain fruits and vegetables from trusted sources and to wash fresh produce thoroughly with potable water before consumption.
The Authority said it would continue its food-safety education and market-surveillance activities to promote the safe handling and marketing of fruits and vegetables and discourage practices that could endanger public health. It also encouraged members of the public to report suspected unsafe food handling, processing, storage or inappropriate chemical use to the FDA for prompt investigation. The FDA said reports of unhygienic practices or other activities that could compromise public health and safety could be made through its official contact channels.
The investigation and regulatory action come amid growing public concern over the safety of food sold in Ghana and the use of agricultural chemicals outside their approved purposes. The FDA, however, did not state in the notice that all plantains sold at the Madina Market had been chemically ripened and or what actions have been taken against the said product, but specifically linked its preliminary findings to the product and trader identified during its investigation.
By: Joyce Owusu
