The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana has warned that vendors engaged in the dangerous practice of using polyethylene (plastic) in frying plantain chips will face prosecution.
The FDA schooled vendors that Section 100 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) prohibits the sale of unwholesome or contaminated food and the use of non-food-grade additives in food preparation.
“Any person found engaging in this practice will face the full rigors of the law, including prosecution and permanent closure of their business,” it warned.
This follows claims that some vendors have resorted to melting plastic in frying oil to prepare plantain chips.
It described the practice as a direct chemical contamination of food, rendering it unfit for human consumption.
It added that hot oil accelerates the migration of harmful chemicals such as plasticizers, phthalates, and antioxidants from the plastic into the food.
According to the FDA, “Scientific research indicates that long-term ingestion of these migrated chemicals is linked to endocrine disruption, hormonal imbalances, and increased risks of certain cancers.”
It further encouraged food processors to adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and acquire the FDA Food Hygiene and Vendor Permit.
The Authority urged the public to avoid plantain chips with an unusually high chemical scent or a plastic-like aftertaste.
“The FDA remains committed to its mandate of protecting public health and is collaborating with local authorities and the Police Service to monitor the activities of these vendors,” the statement added.
