Accra: The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has dismissed as unsafe and unacceptable a viral video circulating on social media showing beans being preserved with a white powdery substance believed to be cement. The Authority stated that this practice is not part of approved Ghanaian agricultural or food preservation methods and is not recognized by any relevant regulatory body in the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, a statement issued by the FDA clarified that the Plant Protection and Regulation Services Directorate (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture does not recommend or endorse such a preservation method. The statement further explained that a review of the footage suggested the language spoken in the video was not Ghanaian, and a translation of the narration revealed unsafe and unhygienic food handling practices.
The FDA noted that chemicals in the video were applied with bare hands without protective wear, while an individual was seen standing on a heap of beans without protective clothing. The Authority described these practices as contrary to acceptable food safety standards.
The FDA emphasized that together with its stakeholder institutions, it does not approve of food preservation practices that compromise food safety and public health. It highlighted that the use of unapproved substances, poor hygiene, direct contact with food using bare hands, and the absence of protective gear were clear violations of established food safety regulations.
The Authority assured the public that the practices depicted in the viral video are neither encouraged nor tolerated in Ghana. It advised farm produce aggregators and retailers to refrain from engaging in or promoting unsafe food preservation methods that could endanger public health. Additionally, the FDA urged consumers to report any suspicious food handling or preservation practices to the Authority for investigation and possible sanctions.
The statement reiterated the FDA’s commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that all food products on the Ghanaian market meet approved safety and quality standards.