Trade officials seize formalin-ripened plantains in Y’de market.

The seizure, days back, came after a video circulated on social media, showing one of the vendors in the market pouring a liquid, suspected to be formalin, on number of bunch of plantains intended for sale.

The author of the video was heard condemning the action of the vendor, stressing that authorities had banned such, given the chemical has harmful effect on the health of those who consume such products.

The video, which went viral on different social platforms, is said to have alerted the authorities. It was in this light that the Control Brigade of the Regional Delegation of Trade, led by the Regional Delegate, Alain Romauld Ombede, descended to the field to have an appraisal of the situation.

The Centre Regional Delegate was accompanied by the Divisional Delegate for Mfoundi, Joseph Pierre Zambo Manga. The team proceeded to carry out control of the plantain sold in the market. Those suspected to have been ripened by formalin were seized.

The operation, however, met with stiff resistance from the vendors. The seized plantains were taken to the Mvog-Mbi Police Station. 

State media, Cameroon Tribune, quoted the Centre Regional Delegate of Trade as saying: “We are on the field to assure the protection of consumers because we have proof of the use of chemical products. We are going to dish out severe sanctions on plantain vendors so that the message should be passed across to everyone”.

Yaounde is known for its vibrant markets that offer a wide variety of fresh produce. However, the recent discovery of formalin-ripened plantains at the Mvog-Ada Market has raised concerns about the safety of the food available to consumers. 

About formalin & health risks involved

Formalin, a chemical used as a food preservative, is known to pose serious health risks when consumed, health experts have repeatedly warned. Being a solution of formaldehyde, the chemical is a powerful disinfectant and preservative commonly used in laboratories. Its use in food production, however, is illegal and highly dangerous. 

It should be noted that the alarm on the formalin in ripening plantain and fruits was first sounded months back by the Divisional Officer for Dschang, in the Menoua Division of the West Region. Recently, Gabon, which imports fruits and other foodstuffs from Cameroon, announced it was stepping up control on such products, to ensure they are not preserved using formalin. 

By Deng Eric & Irmine Bikono*