Artificial ripening of plantain: A major cause of cancer

There is a continuous increase in the demand for ripe plantains. This has forced traders into making
plantains ripe artificially.In an investigation conducted in Cameroon’s Capital, Yaounde, writer Iris Bitjoka discovers how many traders use “Mat” a growth regulator, to ripen plantain and sell to the population. This chemical is used in almost all markets in Yaounde to ripen plantains and other food items. It ripens plantain in just 3 or 4 days. Medics warn that this chemical is a health threat and a cause of the dreaded cancer. Despite these warnings, traders still use it in order to meetup with the increasing demand for ripe plantains, therefore maximizing their profit.
With the steep rise of cancer cases in the country over the past few years, many hope government will pass tougher laws which punish traders who use the chemical on food stuffs.

Written by Ashembwom Stephanie