By - Editor-in-Chief
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MOGADISHU, November 4, 2026 Somalia's agricultural regulator will test chemicals used to ripen bananas and other fruit after reports on social media raised safety concerns.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Somali Agricultural Regulatory and Inspection Service (SARIS) said reports had circulated about the use of two products, Ethar Plus and Ethephon 40% SL, to ripen bananas. It said the claims had raised concerns about food safety and the health effects of improper use.
Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir ‘Mareye’ visited the banana and fruit section of Mogadishu's Bakara market and heard complaints from consumers and traders, SARIS said.
SARIS said ripening fruit after harvest is permitted with approved substances and methods, provided they are used according to label instructions. Ethylene gas can be used to ripen bananas if safe-use requirements are followed, including dosage, temperature, duration and approved crops, it added.
Ethephon is a plant growth regulator that releases ethylene, the gas that triggers ripening in fruit.
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The regulator said it will test the identity of all substances the public has complained about, particularly those used on bananas. It also urged farmers and traders to use natural ripening methods.
"Food safety cannot be compromised, and protecting public health is a legal and national obligation," the statement said.
Under Somalia's agricultural chemicals law No. 33 of 2024, importers and traders must register any new product with SARIS before it reaches the market. SARIS warned that anyone whose actions endanger public health would face legal action under the penal code and the agricultural chemicals law.
Separately, the Somali Bureau of Standards said its market inspection teams visited the Bakara vegetable market on Tuesday. The bureau said it acted on concerns about fruit and vegetables being ripened early using methods that do not meet food quality and safety standards.
The bureau urged traders to ensure the safety of their products and asked the public to report any produce suspected to be unsafe.