Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
Across northern Nigeria, a deeply rooted cultural practice of eating unwashed fruits persists despite increasing public health concerns. Many consumers still hold on to traditional beliefs that dismiss the dangers of unhygienic fruit consumption.
In markets from Kano, Jigawa, Gombe, Taraba to Maiduguri, vendors and buyers are often seen biting directly into fruits covered with visible dirt, flies, and environmental pollutants. This habit, passed down through generations, is fueled by myths such as the belief that washing fruits removes their “natural blessings” or that “small disease no dey kill African man.”
Medical experts are raising alarms as hospitals report rising cases of cholera, parasitic infections, and pesticide poisoning linked to this hazardous habit. The risks are particularly high during the fruit season when children and adults consume large quantities of unwashed dates, mangoes, garden eggs, black dates (dinya), cucumbers, and other produce.
Bazaji Mohammed, a social commentator, explains that this dangerous tradition survives due to generational practices and misinformation. He notes that many elderly community members actively discourage younger generations from washing fruits, arguing that their ancestors lived long lives despite eating straight from the trees.
Bazaji recalls other outdated traditions, such as the belief that flies falling into pap (fermented cereal pudding) should be drowned before removal because “the feather of a fly is medicinal.” He warns that such beliefs have no scientific basis and are harmful, especially given modern environmental pollution.
Agricultural specialists caution that modern farming practices have introduced unprecedented risks. Laboratory tests reveal that today’s fruits contain pesticide residues up to twelve times higher than in the 1990s. Moreover, urban fruits often absorb dangerous heavy metals and vehicle exhaust when displayed by roadsides.
Shehu Usumanu, a fruit vendor, dismisses these concerns, saying, “Disease is from God. We don’t believe vehicular exhaust, flies, or pests contaminate fruit. Whether you wash or not, nothing will happen to human health.” However, he adds that, “For the benefit of doubt, customers should wash fruits before consumption.”
Research indicates that consumers frequently prioritize convenience and tradition over safety.
Adamu Jaji, a public health practitioner at Specialist Hospital Damaturu, stresses that fruits are often contaminated with chemicals, and flies carry numerous diseases. He emphasizes that washing fruits and vegetables before consumption is crucial to drastically reduce the risks of cholera, typhoid, and other contamination-related illnesses.
The Healthwise Initiative warns that, aside from harmful bacteria, unwashed fruits may retain dangerous chemical residues from farming processes. Experts are urging communities to abandon harmful traditional beliefs and adopt safe practices, including thorough washing of fruits and vegetables, to mitigate increasing health risks.