diff --git a/sql/sql_plugin.cc b/sql/sql_plugin.cc
index 1239d165fc7..bc986386dfc 100644
--- a/sql/sql_plugin.cc
+++ b/sql/sql_plugin.cc
@@ -1680,6 +1680,8 @@ int plugin_init(int *argc, char **argv, int flags)
       tmp.name.length= strlen(plugin->name);
       tmp.state= 0;
       tmp.load_option= mandatory ? PLUGIN_FORCE : PLUGIN_ON;
+      DBUG_ASSERT(!mandatory ||
+        plugin_maturity_map[plugin->maturity] >= SERVER_MATURITY_LEVEL);
 
       for (i=0; i < array_elements(override_plugin_load_policy); i++)
       {