The Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) on Thursday advised Kenyans to tread with caution, when purchasing bananas especially those sold in supermarkets.
COFEK's concern primarily revolves around the quality and safety of the bananas raising questions about the potential use of harmful chemicals in the cultivation and storage processes before the fruits are made available on supermarket shelves.
In a statement, the Federation expressed concern that some adulterated fruits may have found their way into the market.
COFEK also emphasized the importance of sourcing fruits and vegetables from reputable suppliers who adhere to strict safety standards.
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.
"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.
During the conversation, some Kenyans pointed out that certain retailers place orders for fruits in the morning and receive them by the end of the day.
This rapid supply chain process is often facilitated by the use of chemicals that accelerate fruit growth and enhance their outward appearance.
Such instances reflect the broader concerns within Kenya's food industry regarding the safety and quality of produce.
In the past, consumers have raised the alarm about traders who employ deceptive practices, such as dipping fruits like avocados into a black chemical to give the false impression that they are fully ripe. To further persuade buyers, these traders 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.
