Health
Why traders shouldn’t use detergent to wash fruits – Nutritionists
Iyanuoluwa Abiola
Nutritionists have warned fruit traders against washing fruits with laundry detergent or other household cleaning products, saying detergent residues left on produce could be swallowed by consumers and irritate the mouth, throat and digestive system.
The experts said detergents were formulated for cleaning clothes and household surfaces, not food, noting that using them on fruits could introduce a chemical hazard rather than make the produce safer.
They advised traders to wash fruits with clean, running water, gently rub the surfaces and maintain proper hand hygiene, as well as 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, saying such products can be difficult to rinse completely from produce. The agency recommends washing produce thoroughly under running water and cutting away bruised or damaged portions before eating.
The World Health Organisation also identifies chemicals and toxins as food safety hazards and advises people to use potable water and raw materials when handling food.
The warning comes amid concerns about food-handling practices among produce traders in Nigeria. A 2025 study involving 166 vegetable traders in nine markets in Ogun State found 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. The researchers noted that such practices could increase the risk of microbial contamination of produce.
In an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, the Assistant Director of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr Olufunmilola Ogunmiluyi, said traders should not use laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, soap or other household cleaning products to wash fruits.
Ogunmiluyi explained that detergent could remain on the surface of fruits 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. Traders don’t need detergent to wash our fruits. Clean, safe running water, proper hand hygiene and good handling practices are safer ways to prepare fruits for consumers,” Ogunmiluyi stated.
She noted that rinsing a fruit after washing it with detergent did not guarantee that all residues would be removed, particularly where the chemical became trapped around stems, cracks, bruises or other irregularities.
The nutritionist told PUNCH Healthwise that swallowing detergent residue could cause 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,” Ogunmiluyi explained.
Ogunmiluyi further advised traders to remove rotten or badly bruised portions of fruits, wash the produce thoroughly under clean, running water and gently rub the surface before displaying it for sale.
She also urged them to wash their hands before handling fruits and keep containers and surfaces used for storing and displaying the produce clean.
“My advice to traders is for them not to confuse cleanliness with safety. Detergent may make a fruit appear cleaner, but it is not meant to be eaten and can leave residues behind,” Ogunmiluyi warned.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH HealthWise, the Assistant Director of Dietetics at the Lagos State Health Service Commission, General Hospital, Badagry, Olusola Malomo, said traders should not wash fruits with laundry or household detergents because the products were not designed for food.
Malomo explained that detergent residue left on fruits could be swallowed when the produce was eaten, with the health effects depending on the type and amount consumed.
“Cleaner-looking does not necessarily mean safer. Detergent can introduce a chemical hazard. Use clean running water and good hygiene practices rather than household cleaning products,” Malomo warned.
He noted that although rinsing could remove much of the residue, it could not guarantee that all detergent would be eliminated, particularly from rough, textured or damaged fruit surfaces.
“Detergent residue can irritate the digestive tract. The exact effect depends on the detergent and the amount swallowed,” Malomo explained.
The dietitian advised traders to use clean, safe running water when washing fruits and to pay particular attention to rough or textured produce where dirt could collect in crevices.
“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 stated.
He also urged traders to use clean containers, maintain hand hygiene and protect fruits from contact with dirty surfaces during storage and display.
Malomo advised Consumers to wash fruits under clean running water before eating, cutting or peeling them, noting that produce should be washed before peeling to prevent dirt and bacteria on the outer surface from being transferred to the edible portion.
“Clean water, clean containers, clean hands and protected storage and display areas are important for keeping fruits safe for consumers,” Malomo stated.
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