The last few weeks have seen health conscious online
fanatics dig in on the scum that is artificially ripened bananas after
it emerged that some bananas sold in Kenya are treated with calcium
carbide to speed up their ripening.
Of course it is easy to understand why: quick bucks. And
it is not just for bananas. Apparently, the calcium carbide technology –
if you may call it that – is used on a wide range of fruits including
mangoes, pawpaw, and water melons.
But naturally ripe bananas have dark 'polka dot' spots.
According to nutritionist Kepha Nyanumba, a consultant with AAR, calcium
carbide is meant to subvert the process of ripening.
“The fastened process therefore causes an even glow of
yellow on the skin,” and "such bananas (as well as other fruits) are
not fit for human consumption. The chemical used contains phosphorus
hydride and arsenic.”
When consumed, Kepha says that the chemical is known to
cause ulcers, “a burning sensation that may also be accompanied with
diarrhea and vomiting.”
Studies have also indicated that calcium carbide is a
carcinogen — an agent capable of causing cancer. In the fast paced world
of trade, Kepha fears that residents of Nairobi – and indeed many parts
of Kenya – may have to do with bananas ripened using this dangerous
chemical. However, he advises, thorough washing of fruits using clean
water may greatly lower concentration of the bad chemical.
The fruit, says Kepha, is among the best sources of
potassium – an electrolyte against sodium. Ideally, one needs a maximum
of two bananas in a day. This would reduce poisoning if one has bought
artificially ripened bananas.
Among symptoms that you should watch out for regarding calcium carbide
ripened bananas are headaches, dizziness, and occasionally blurred
vision.
Well-ripened bananas, adds Kepha, go through a natural cycle
of respiration that causes buildup of ethylene gas which then
transforms the hard white core into a soft pulp. The process, he says,
is gradual but complete.
“That is an aspect that bananas ripened with calcium carbide
don’t have. The outer parts may feel soft but soon enough one discovers
that the inner sections are hard. Such bananas, when swallowed, cause a
lot of digestive problems and discomfort,” says Kepha.
In many developed countries, calcium carbide is banned from civilian use.
Its dangers are well documented. Speaking to Mail
online, Indian dermatologist Dr Ak Dadhwal revealed that Calcium carbide
leads to skin allergies. In extreme cases, victims will suffer from
skin cancer.
He warned: "The use of this chemical should be stopped completely in order to wipe out the risk of cancerous diseases."
It should also be known that bananas can be classified as starch or
fruits. When green, bananas are essentially starch. When ripened, they
become fruits. It is green bananas that shroud businesses will apply
calcium carbide to cause an instant and even glow of mellow that gives
the impression that the fruit is ripe.
