Concerns have emerged over reports that some fruit vendors in Nigerian markets are using laundry detergents and liquid soaps to wash produce and give it a shiny appearance to attract buyers.

A report published by Vanguard on October 26, 2026, said the practice involved fruits such as watermelons, bananas, mangoes, oranges and apples.

According to the report, some vendors allegedly use the cleaning products to remove dirt and blemishes, making fruits appear fresher while helping them sell faster and reducing losses from spoilage.

A vendor who spoke anonymously told Vanguard that the appearance of fruits influences customers’ purchasing decisions.

The vendor said washing produce with detergent made it look cleaner and shinier, helping to attract buyers and increase sales.

However, another fruit seller, Audu Musa, said he did not use detergents on his produce, explaining that he preferred to display the fruits as they arrived from farms.

The report also alleged that some fruits were displayed without being properly rinsed after washing, potentially leaving detergent residues on their surfaces.

Household laundry detergents are formulated for cleaning clothes and other materials, not for preparing food for consumption.

Nutritionists have warned that residues left on fruits could be swallowed by consumers and may irritate the mouth, throat and digestive system. The possible effects depend on the product involved and the quantity ingested.

In a separate report published by PUNCH Healthwise in September 2026, nutrition experts advised fruit sellers against using laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids and other household cleaning products on produce.

They recommended washing fruits thoroughly under clean, running water and gently rubbing the surfaces instead.

The reported practice has raised concerns about food-handling standards in open-air markets and the need for greater awareness among traders and consumers.

Experts advise shoppers not to assume that a highly polished appearance means fruit is safer or fresher. Consumers should wash produce thoroughly under clean, running water before eating or cutting it.

The United States Food and Drug Administration also advises against washing fruits and vegetables with soap, detergent or commercial produce washes because residues may remain on the food.

The report has renewed calls for stronger food-safety awareness and improved hygiene practices among fruit vendors.

Proper handling, clean water and hygienic storage are important measures for reducing contamination risks without introducing chemicals not intended for food.

The claims about detergent use concern some vendors and should not be taken as evidence that all fruit sellers engage in the practice. No enforcement action against specific vendors was identified in the report.