The Food and Drugs Authority, has begun nationwide checks and laboratory tests on plantain chips after claims that some vendors are using melted plastic while frying the chips.
The move comes after videos and reports on social media suggested that some producers put pieces of polythene into hot cooking oil when preparing plantain chips.
In a statement released on Wednesday, March 11,2026, the FDA said the alleged practice is very dangerous. It warned that melting plastic in frying oil can mix harmful chemicals with the food and make it unsafe to eat.
According to the authority, heating plastic materials such as low-density polyethylene in oil at very high temperatures can cause harmful chemicals to enter the food.
The FDA explained that the process can release substances like plasticisers, phthalates and antioxidants from the plastic into the oil, which can be harmful to people.
It added that scientific studies link long-term consumption of these chemicals to hormone problems and a higher risk of some cancers.
The authority also reminded the public that under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), selling unsafe or contaminated food is a crime.
“Anyone found using plastic or other non-food substances in food preparation will face the full force of the law, including prosecution and the possible closure of their business,” the statement said.
The FDA has also advised consumers to be careful and report any suspicious food preparation practices, especially if plantain chips have a chemical smell, taste like plastic or stay crispy for an unusually long time.
The authority said it will release the results of the laboratory tests after the investigation is completed.
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