An alarming food safety practice has been uncovered in several local markets across the country, where some fruit vendors reportedly wash fruits with soap before offering them for sale to customers in an effort to enhance their appearance.
Investigations by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) revealed that fruits such as African star apple (alasa) and oranges are often soaked in soapy water for about 10 minutes, rinsed, and then displayed for sale. The practice is intended to make the produce appear cleaner, shinier, and more attractive to buyers.
Some vendors who spoke to the GNA admitted that the practice is largely influenced by consumer preference for visibly clean fruits, noting that produce that appears dirty or stained is frequently ignored or rejected.
A fruit seller, who requested anonymity, explained that washing the fruits significantly improves sales and helps traders avoid financial losses.
“When the fruits are not washed, customers complain that they are dirty and refuse to buy them. But when we wash them, more people buy,” she said.
According to the vendor, fruits purchased directly from farms often arrive with soil stains, bruises, or surface blemishes, making them difficult to sell in their original state. She added that traders believe washing African star apples and oranges with soap improves their appearance and may even delay spoilage.
However, the practice has raised serious health concerns among consumers, particularly over the possibility of soap residue remaining on fruits, especially those eaten without peeling or additional washing.
Public health experts have cautioned that using soap on food items is unsafe, warning that chemical residues can pose health risks when ingested. They have therefore called for intensified public education and stricter monitoring of food handling practices in local markets to protect consumer health.
Experts further urged regulatory authorities to strengthen enforcement of food safety standards and encourage safer alternatives for cleaning fruits before sale.
