In several Nigerian open‑air markets, fruit sellers have begun washing melons, bananas and other produce with household [laundry detergent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laundry_detergent) to give them a glossy appearance that attracts buyers, prompting health officials to warn of serious food‑safety risks.
**Key facts**
- The practice was uncovered by the Economy & Lifestyle team, which found vendors adding detergent to wash water to remove mud, pesticide residues and dullness.
- Vendors claim the method speeds up sales and reduces waste, with one anonymous trader stating, “Customers buy with their eyes first… a little detergent gives the fruit a beautiful, shiny coat that looks fresh from the farm.”
- Dr. Amara Nwosu, a gastroenterologist at a public teaching hospital, cautioned that even trace amounts of detergent can cause severe abdominal cramps, vomiting and chronic diarrhoea, and may lead to kidney or liver damage over time.
Why are traders turning to detergent?
For many market sellers operating on razor‑thin margins, unsold fruit quickly spoils. Conventional rinsing with clean water often fails to eliminate stubborn mud or agricultural sprays, leaving the produce looking lackluster. Adding a surfactant‑rich detergent creates an artificial sheen that mimics premium, imported fruit, encouraging shoppers to choose their stall over competitors.
What chemicals are being introduced?
Household detergents contain compounds such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, optical brighteners, synthetic fragrances and bleaching agents. These ingredients are engineered for fabrics, not for ingestion. Unlike food‑grade vegetable washes, they are not approved for direct contact with edible items.
What health dangers does this pose?
According to [Dr. Amara Nwosu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroenterology), “Ingesting even trace amounts of laundry detergent can cause acute gastrointestinal distress, including severe abdominal cramps, vomiting, and chronic diarrhea. Consistent exposure to these industrial surfactants can erode the gut lining, disrupt the microbiome, and potentially lead to chronic kidney damage or liver toxicity.” The porous skins of fruits such as watermelons and mangoes allow the chemicals to penetrate beyond the surface, meaning consumers who do not peel or thoroughly scrub are effectively eating cleaning agents.
How are authorities responding?
The [Nigerian Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC)](https://www.nafdac.gov.ng/) has issued an advisory urging market officials to ban the use of non‑food‑grade detergents on produce. Inspectors are being dispatched to major markets to test fruit samples and enforce compliance.
What should shoppers do?
Food‑safety experts advise consumers to be wary of fruit that appears excessively glossy, unnaturally bright or emits a faint floral scent. Choosing items with a natural, matte finish and washing them thoroughly under running water can reduce exposure. Until the practice is curbed, the safest approach is to favour fruits that look less polished but are free from chemical sheen.
The situation has sparked outrage among regular buyers, many of whom feel betrayed by long‑standing traders. As market authorities scramble to enforce regulations, the public is urged to prioritize health over visual appeal when selecting fresh fruit.