Assessment of Consumers' Preferences for Banana (Musa SPP.) Ripening Methods and Perceived Health Implications in Imo State, Nigeria

The study assessed consumer preferences for banana (Musa spp.) ripening methods and their perceived health implications in Imo State, Nigeria., The study investigated the determinants of consumer choices using a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected from of 450 respondents selected through a multi-stage sampling technique across three major banana markets. Descriptive statistics and binomial logistic regression were employed to analyse the data. Results indicated that, 78% of respondents preferred naturally ripened bananas, while 22% opted for artificially ripened ones. Only 41% were aware of the potential health risks of artificial ripening, and 89% lacked access to reliable information on ripening methods. Regression results showed that education level (β =-0.312, p = 0.002), health risk awareness (β =-0.672, p < 0.001), and access to information (β =-0.598, p = 0.004) significantly reduced the likelihood of preferring artificial ripening. In contrast, gender (β = 0.534, p = 0.015) and income (β = 0.188, p = 0.003) increased this likelihood. The study highlights the need for targeted food safety education and stricter regulatory enforcement to protect consumers and promote healthier fruit consumption practices.