The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned the public against the use of cement or any unapproved substance in preserving beans, following a viral social media video suggesting the practice.
In a press release issued in Accra on February 16, 2026, the Authority clarified that the method shown in the video, where a white powdery substance believed to be concrete cement is applied to beans is not part of Ghanaian agricultural or food preservation practices.
According to the FDA, the practice is neither recommended nor endorsed by the Plant Protection and Regulation Services Directorate (PPRSD) under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The Authority further observed that the language spoken in the video is not Ghanaian, adding that translations reveal unsafe and unhygienic handling methods.
“The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has taken note of a viral video circulating on social media and purporting to demonstrate the preservation of beans using a white powdery substance believed to be concrete cement.
“The practice portrayed in the said video is not part of Ghanaian agricultural or food preservation practices. The Plant Protection and Regulation Services Directorate (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture does not recommend or endorse such method of preservation.”
The video reportedly shows chemicals being applied with bare hands without protective gear, and an individual standing directly on a heap of beans without protective clothing, practices the FDA describes as contrary to acceptable food safety standards.
“A close look at the video shows that the language spoken is not Ghanaian. A translation of the narration reveals unsafe and unhygienic handling practices. Chemicals are used without appropriate protective wear. Instead, they are applied with bare hands. The video also depicts someone standing on the heap of beans without any protective clothing.”
The Authority stressed that it does not approve of any food preservation techniques that compromise food safety and public health. It warned that the use of unapproved substances, poor hygiene, and lack of protective equipment pose serious health risks to consumers.
The FDA assured the public that such practices are not encouraged in Ghana and urged farm produce aggregators and retailers to refrain from engaging in or promoting unsafe preservation methods. Consumers were also encouraged to report any suspicious food handling activities for investigation and possible sanctions.
“The FDA, together with its stakeholder institutions, does not approve of food preservation practices that compromise food safety and public health. 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 assures the public that such practices as shown in the video are not encouraged in Ghana. Farm produce aggregators and retailers are advised to refrain from engaging in or promoting unsafe food preservation methods. Consumers should report any suspicious food handling or preservation practices to the Authority for the necessary investigations and sanctions.”
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that all food products on the Ghanaian market meet approved safety and quality standards.
“The FDA remains committed to safeguarding public health and safety, and ensuring that all food products on the Ghanaian market meet approved safety and quality standards.”
Source: Elvisanokye.com
