Somalia Sets Rules for Chemicals Used to Ripen Bananas

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia is tightening oversight of agricultural chemicals used in food production, warning traders and farmers that substances used to accelerate banana ripening must meet national safety and registration requirements.

The warning follows reports of the use of two products, Ethar Plus and Ethephon 40% SL, to ripen bananas, prompting the Somali Agricultural Regulatory and Inspection Service (SARIS) to remind market operators that such chemicals cannot be used outside approved conditions.

Ethephon is an agricultural compound that promotes fruit ripening by releasing ethylene, a plant hormone that regulates the natural ripening process. While ethylene-based treatments are used in commercial agriculture, their safe application depends on the product formulation, dosage, timing and method of use.

In a notice issued on November 3, SARIS said the two products could only be used in line with approved instructions and relevant agricultural regulations. It also stressed that importers and traders must register agricultural chemicals with the agency before placing them on the Somali market.

Non-compliance could attract legal action under Somalia’s Chemical Management Act, Law No. 33 of 2024.

The move highlights the regulatory challenges facing Somalia as it seeks to expand agricultural production and trade while strengthening safeguards around food and farm inputs. Effective monitoring of chemicals is particularly important in markets where imported agricultural products and locally grown produce pass through multiple traders before reaching consumers.

Bananas are among the fruits widely traded and consumed in Somalia, making the regulation of ripening practices relevant to farmers, distributors and consumers alike.

SARIS said it would work with relevant authorities and market stakeholders to monitor the use of the products and urged consumers to report suspected violations.

The agency did not announce a ban on the chemicals. Instead, it said their use must comply with approved requirements, with enforcement action possible against those who disregard the rules.