LAGOS, NIGERIA — Nutritionists and food safety experts have issued a strong warning to fruit traders against washing produce with laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, or other household cleaning products, cautioning that detergent residues left on fruits could be swallowed by consumers, leading to serious health risks including gastrointestinal irritation, chemical poisoning, and long-term toxicity .
The experts, who spoke exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, stressed that detergents are formulated for cleaning clothes and household surfaces—not food—and using them on fruits introduces a chemical hazard rather than making the produce safer . Dr. Olufunmilola Ogunmiluyi, Assistant Director of Nutrition and Dietetics, explained that detergent can remain on fruit surfaces and become trapped in cracks, bruises, cuts, or other irregular areas, particularly on fruits with rough or porous skins . “Detergent may make a fruit appear cleaner, but it is not meant to be eaten and can leave residues behind,” she warned .
Health Risks of Detergent Residue
According to Ogunmiluyi, swallowing detergent residue can cause a range of gastrointestinal problems depending on the type and quantity consumed . “Detergent can irritate the mouth and throat and may cause a soapy taste, burning or discomfort. It can also irritate the lining of the digestive tract, potentially causing nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhoea,” she explained . Dr. Olusola Malomo, Assistant Director of Dietetics at Lagos State Health Service Commission, warned that rinsing after washing with detergent does not guarantee all residue is removed, particularly from rough, textured or damaged fruit surfaces . “Cleaner-looking does not necessarily mean safer. Detergent can introduce a chemical hazard,” Malomo stated .
Widespread Practice and Regulatory Gaps
The warnings come amid growing concerns about food-handling practices among produce traders in Nigeria . A 2025 study involving 166 vegetable traders in nine markets in Ogun State found significant gaps in hygiene practices, with only 52 per cent routinely changing their washing water within four hours and fewer than one per cent having received formal food safety training . Researchers noted that such practices could increase the risk of microbial contamination of produce . Similar practices have been documented elsewhere in West Africa; Ghana’s Clinical Dietician Prince Dimha warned fruit sellers against washing fruits with soap, noting that some soaps contain harmful chemicals such as chlorine and bleach that can penetrate fruits through tiny pores .
Safe Fruit Washing Practices
The nutritionists advised traders to wash fruits with clean, running water, gently rub the surfaces, and maintain proper hand hygiene and clean storage and display conditions . The United States Food and Drug Administration advises against washing fresh fruits and vegetables with soap, detergent, or commercial produce washes, stating that such products can be difficult to rinse completely from produce and recommends washing produce thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or peeling . The World Health Organisation also identifies chemicals and toxins as food safety hazards and advises the use of potable water and raw materials when handling food . “The safest routine is simple: wash fruits under clean, running potable water and gently rub the surface. There is no need for laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid or bleach,” Malomo advised . Both nutritionists urged traders to use clean containers, maintain hand hygiene, and protect fruits from contact with dirty surfaces during storage and display .
