Nigeria, June 24 -- Consumers, traders and a medical expert who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday expressed concern over the practice, warning that it could pose health risks and erode public confidence in food safety.

Fruits such as plantains, bananas and mangoes remain popular across Nigeria due to their nutritional value and affordability. However, reports that some traders use chemicals to accelerate the ripening process have continued to raise concerns among consumers.

Mrs. Funke Adebayo, a Lagos-based housewife, said she deliberately purchases unripe plantains to avoid any uncertainty about how the fruits were ripened.

"I prefer to buy unripe plantains and allow them to ripen naturally at home. That way, I...