Somalia’s Agricultural Authority warns on Chemicals used to ripen Bananas

Somalia’s Agricultural Regulatory and Inspection Service (SARIS) has issued a public clarification on the use of chemicals in banana ripening, following concerns raised on social media about products marketed as Ethar Plus and Ethephon 40% SL.

In a statement dated November 3, the authority explained that Ethar Plus and Ethephon 40% SL are commercial product names, while Ethephon is a chemical compound used in agriculture and post-harvest handling to regulate plant growth and promote the release of ethylene, a naturally occurring gas involved in fruit ripening.

SARIS said the use of “these products must follow approved agricultural guidelines, including appropriate dosage, concentration, application methods and safety requirements” .

The authority also clarified that ethylene gas can be used to ripen bananas, provided the process is properly controlled in terms of quantity, concentration, duration and method of application.

The statement followed public concerns about the safety of food and the possible health effects of improperly used agricultural chemicals. It came after Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir Maareeye visited the banana and fruit section of Mogadishu’s Bakara Market, where he inspected trading activities and listened to concerns from traders and members of the public.

SARIS advised consumers to purchase ripe fruits from approved facilities where proper ripening procedures are followed. It also urged traders and farmers who use agricultural chemicals to observe safety guidelines and handle the products responsibly.

The authority stressed that food safety is a shared responsibility and called on all stakeholders to cooperate in protecting public health and the agricultural sector.

Citing the Somali Agricultural Chemicals Management Act, No. 33 of 2024, SARIS said it is mandated to regulate agricultural chemicals, inspect their use and ensure compliance with safety standards. It also reminded importers and users of agricultural chemical products that they must register with the authority before introducing the products into the market.

SARIS said it would continue monitoring markets, agricultural activities and the handling of agricultural chemicals, while strengthening public awareness and consumer protection.

The authority further warned that anyone found violating the law would face appropriate legal action, citing Section 16 of the Agricultural Chemicals Management Act.

It urged the public to report suspicious practices involving agricultural chemicals, emphasizing that protecting consumers and ensuring food safety remain central to its mandate.

Mustaqbal