Why you should avoid buying bananas sold in supermarkets; COFEK
3 min read
Consumer lobby (COFEK) warns Kenyans against bananas sdold in supermarkets over safety concerns and quality
Consumer lobby (COFEK) warns Kenyans against bananas sdold in supermarkets over safety concerns and quality.
The Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has urged Kenyans to exercise caution when purchasing bananas, particularly those sold in supermarkets.
COFEK highlighted the quality and safety of the bananas, raising concerns about the potential use of dangerous chemicals in the growing and storage procedures before the fruits reach shop shelves.
The Federation raised alarm in a statement that some contaminated fruits may have made their way onto the market.
COFEK also emphasized the importance of obtaining fruits and vegetables from recognized suppliers who follow strict safety requirements.
The consumer federation was forced to respond after a number of Kenyans shared their experiences after buying bananas from supermarkets.
COFEK was prompted to respond after Kenyans shared their experiences of buying sweet bananas from a local supermarket with the intention of blending them into a smoothie, only to discover that the bananas had turned into watery matter.
Some Kenyans mentioned during the conversation that certain shopkeepers put orders for fruits in the morning and receive them by the end of the day.
This quick supply chain operation is frequently aided by the use of chemicals that hasten fruit growth and improve its appearance.
Such incidents reflect broader worries in Kenya’s food business about crop safety and quality.
“I have bought bananas that had been treated with chemicals to make a smoothie with watermelon, it backfired,” Nathan Davis, a Kenyan online user commented.
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Consumers have previously complained about vendors who use deceptive practices, such as dipping items like avocados into a black chemical to give the impression that they are fully ripe.
To entice clients even more, these vendors claim that the fruits are ripe on the inside as well.
Another deceptive practice involves the packaging of rotten fruits in a manner that remains hidden from view until customers arrive home.
Food nutritionist, Sigwesi Lucia Mburu, strongly advises consumers to avoid purchasing items from roadside vendors and instead opt for sources they can trust.
“To distinguish between artificially ripened fruits and naturally ripened, pay attention to colour. For instance, bananas which are ripened naturally are dark yellow and there are mostly small brown/black spots here and there on the bananas with the stalks being black,” she advised.
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