The Food and Drugs Authority of Ghana has issued an urgent public warning against the dangerous and illegal practice of using cement or other unapproved substances to preserve beans, following a viral video circulating on social media.
The warning comes after footage surfaced showing individuals applying a white powdery substance, believed to be concrete cement, to large quantities of beans.
According to the Authority, the method shown in the footage is neither recognised nor endorsed in Ghana.
In a statement, the FDA strongly cautioned Ghanaians against engaging in this practice.
“The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has taken note of a viral video circulating on social media and purporting to demonstrate the preservation of beans using a white powder substance believed to be concrete cement.
The practice portrayed in the said video is not part of Ghanaian agricultural or food preservation practices.”
The Plant Protection and Regulation Services Directorate (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture does not recommend such preservation techniques.
Providing further details on its assessment of the video, the FDA stated,
“A close look at the video shows that the language spoken is not Ghanaian. A translation of the narration reveals unsafe and unhygienic handling practices. Chemicals are used without an appropriate protective wear. Instead, they are applied with bare hands. The video also depicts someone standing on the heap of beans without any protective clothing.”
The Authority stressed that the use of cement or other unsafe chemicals for food preservation is strictly prohibited under Ghana’s food safety regulations and constitutes a serious public health risk.
“The FDA, together with its stakeholder institutions, does not approve of food preservation practices that compromise food safety and public health. The use of unapproved substances, poor hygiene practices, direct contact with food using bare hands, and lack of protective gear are all contrary to acceptable food safety standards.”
The FDA further assured the public that such practices are not encouraged in Ghana and urged traders to strictly comply with approved safety standards.
“Farm produce aggregators and retailers are advised to refrain from engaging in or promoting unsafe food preservation methods. Consumers should report any suspicious food handling or preservation practices to the Authority for the necessary investigations and sanctions.”
“The FDA remains committed to safeguarding public health and safety, and ensuring that all food products on the Ghanaian market meet approved safety and quality standards,” they assured.
