The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned the public against an unsafe food preservation practice after a video circulating on social media appeared to show beans being treated with a white powdery substance believed to be cement.
In a statement, the Authority said the practice is not an approved food preservation method in Ghana and poses serious health risks to consumers.
The FDA, in collaboration with the Plant Protection and Regulation Services Directorate (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, said a review of the video revealed several hygiene violations.
It noted that the substance was applied directly with bare hands, while the individual handling the beans was seen standing on the heap without protective clothing.
The Authority also observed that the narration in the video, which was in a foreign language, suggested improper handling of the produce.
“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 warned.
The Authority has urged traders, farmers and food aggregators to avoid adopting or promoting hazardous preservation techniques.
Consumers have also been encouraged to report any suspicious food handling practices for immediate investigation.
The FDA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health, stressing that all food products sold on the Ghanaian market must meet approved safety and quality standards.
“We remain committed to safeguarding public health and safety, and ensuring that all food products on the Ghanaian market meet approved safety and quality standards,” the Chief Executive Officer of the FDA said.
