An alarming practice has been observed in some local markets, where fruit vendors wash fruits with soap before selling them to customers.

Checks by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) revealed that some fruits, including African star apple (alasa) and oranges, are soaked in soapy water for about 10 minutes, rinsed, and then displayed for sale.

Some vendors who spoke to the GNA said the practice was intended to make the fruits appear cleaner and more attractive to buyers.

A fruit seller, who pleaded anonymity, explained that customers often hesitate to buy fruits that appear dirty, noting that washing them improves sales.

“If the fruits are not washed, customers complain that they are dirty and refuse to buy them. When we wash them, more people buy them,” she said.

She attributed the practice to the high cost of fruits, explaining that traders try to avoid losses as unsold produce often goes bad.

According to her, fruits purchased directly from farms sometimes arrive bruised or stained with dirt, making them difficult to sell in that condition.

She mentioned African star apple and oranges as the fruits most commonly washed with soap, saying the process makes them more visually appealing and slows spoilage.

Consumers have, however, raised concerns about food safety and the potential health risks posed by soap residue on fruits consumed.