A wave of concern swept across Ghana after a viral video surfaced on social media, allegedly showing the use of a white powdery substance, suspected to be cement, to preserve beans. The footage quickly drew public attention, prompting the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) to issue a firm warning on February 16, 2026.
In its press statement, the FDA categorically dismissed the preservation method depicted in the video, stating that it is neither approved nor practiced in Ghana. The authority clarified that the procedure, featuring beans treated with what appeared to be concrete cement, does not align with any food safety or agricultural standards endorsed by Ghana’s Plant Protection and Regulation Services Directorate (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Delving deeper, the FDA revealed that a review of the video suggested the language spoken was not Ghanaian. A translation of the narration exposed a series of unsafe and unhygienic handling practices, including the direct application of chemicals with bare hands and the absence of protective clothing. The video also showed an individual standing directly on a heap of beans without any protective gear, an image that alarmed food safety officials.
The FDA stressed that using cement for food preservation is strictly prohibited under Ghana’s regulations. “The FDA, together with its stakeholder institutions, does not approve of food preservation practices that compromise food safety and public health,” the statement emphasized. The authority also condemned poor hygiene and the use of unapproved substances as violations of national food safety standards.
Reassuring the public, the FDA made it clear that such hazardous practices are not encouraged or permitted in Ghana. The authority urged farm produce aggregators and retailers to avoid unsafe preservation methods and reminded consumers to remain vigilant. Anyone witnessing suspicious food handling or preservation practices was encouraged to report them to the FDA for swift investigation and possible sanctions.
Through this decisive response, the FDA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and maintaining the highest standards of food safety across the country.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com