Preconception Dietary Exposure to Calcium Carbide-Ripened Bananas Alters Fetal Cerebellar Histogenesis and Spatial Memory in Wistar Rats

Background: Artificial ripening of bananas with calcium carbide (CaC₂) is widely practiced despite concerns regarding toxic impurities, particularly arsenic, which may adversely affect fetal neurodevelopment following maternal exposure. This study investigated the effects of maternal preconception consumption of calcium carbide-ripened bananas on fetal cerebellar histogenesis and spatial reference memory in Wistar rat offspring.  Methods: Thirty-two adult Wistar rats (24 females and 8 males) were assigned to four groups. Females received diets containing naturally ripened banana (control), 1% CaC₂-ripened banana, 2% CaC₂-ripened banana, or commercially ripened banana for two weeks before mating. Fetal cerebella were processed for haematoxylin and eosin histology, while offspring spatial reference memory was assessed using the eight-arm radial maze. Data were analysed using independent-samples t-tests at p < 0.05.