The undeclared forced (chemical) ripening of fruits usually is not seen as a high fraud risk by large retailers with systematic supply chains. It is a much higher risk in domestic supply to local markets in the countries where the fruits are grown. In some cases, illegal use of ripening chemicals can put consumers at risk.
The Nigerian federal government sees the issue as a high priority has vowed to sanction those involved in food adulteration and forced fruits ripening in markets. They have run recent regional one-day sensitisation programmes on Forced Ripening of Fruits, Adulterated Palm Oil, Contaminated Meat and Grains.
Media coverage of one of the regional education events can be found here.
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