Study Reveals Counties Where Fruits Have Highest Chemical Levels, Raises Safety Concern Over Mangoes

A new Kenyan study has raised concerns about chemical contamination in fruits sold across the country, with Murang’a and Nairobi recording the highest levels among four counties examined by researchers.

The research conducted by Kenya Methodist University found that Murang’a had the highest average chemical concentration at 163.95, followed by Nairobi at 153.21.

Kirinyaga ranked third with 146.1, while Meru recorded the lowest average at 109.67.

Published in the International Journal of Professional Practice in 2026, the study examined 392 samples of bananas, mangoes and tomatoes collected from the four counties. Researchers also interviewed 180 respondents to understand the use of chemicals in fruit handling and preservation.

According to the findings, intense commercial activities and pressure to supply markets quickly could be contributing to increased chemical use in Murang’a and Nairobi.

Nairobi recorded the highest proportion of respondents reporting chemical use at 72 per cent, followed by Murang’a at 68 per cent.

The researchers also identified particular concerns involving mangoes and tomatoes, which are commonly consumed in Kenyan households.

Laboratory tests detected arsenic in approximately eight per cent of mango samples. About 20 per cent of mango samples exceeded acceptable contamination limits, while tomatoes recorded 17 per cent.

Bananas had the highest contamination rate, with approximately 40 per cent of samples exceeding acceptable limits.

Overall, 26 per cent of all fruit samples examined contained contaminants above acceptable levels.

The research further established that fruits treated with calcium carbide had average acetylene levels of 1.38 milligrams per kilogram, exceeding the study’s reference limit of 0.7 milligrams per kilogram.

However, the researchers cautioned that the findings do not mean all fruits sold in the affected counties are contaminated, noting that the results reflect only the samples examined.

They recommended stronger food safety inspections, including the introduction of mobile laboratories to test produce directly in markets.

The study also called for improved cold storage facilities, better transportation systems and safer fruit-ripening methods to reduce reliance on potentially harmful chemicals.

Researchers further urged KEBS, NEMA and county governments to strengthen cooperation in monitoring fruit handling practices and protecting consumers.

They argued that training farmers and traders on safer preservation methods would help reduce chemical exposure while minimising postharvest losses.

https://peopledaily.digital/news/nairobi-muranga-record-kenyas-highest-fruit-chemical-levels-study-flags-mangoes-tomatoes

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