Editorial
Use of rubber, cement as food preservatives unsafe – CSIR, FDA cautions
A story titled “Use of rubber, cement as food preservatives unsafe – CSIR, FDA cautions” appeared in The Spectator on March 14, 2026. It illustrated the negative consequences of utilising dangerous materials to preserve food.
This came after videos and reports went viral on social media about farmers and food vendors using quack methods to make their goods appealing to consumers but potentially harmful to their health.
The unsettling video that went viral on social media showed individuals purposefully melting plastic in frying oil to make plantain chips crispy and using cement powder as a cowpea preservative.
The Food and Drug Authority (FDA) and the Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-CRI), two significant organisations in the field of food safety, denounced the practice, raised the alarm, and declared their desire to punish those whose actions jeopardise the lives of local food consumers.
The agencies claim that the procedures directly contaminate food with chemicals, making it unfit for human consumption. Because food safety poses a threat to human health, it merits significant attention. These organisations were compelled to issue separate statements warning Ghanaians to exercise caution when consuming products from the market.
“This is not just a matter of poor practice – it is a matter of public health. We cannot allow misinformation to compromise the integrity of our food systems,” the statement indicated. People who are obsessed with money will do anything to further their own interests, regardless of the consequences to the public’s health.
The high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the country is probably caused by hazardous chemicals and food additives used for preservation. Sadly, long-term intake of foods tainted with these chemicals may have negative health impacts, such as hormonal disruption and other long-term health issues, as the FDA warned.
Food safety is in a worse state than anyone could have imagined. It is worrying that practically every food consumed nowadays contains hazardous substances.
The Spectator applauds the FDA for starting investigations and stepping up market monitoring to verify the veracity of the claims. The Ghana Health Service (GHS), the CSIR, and the FDA are being urged by The Spectator to collaborate in educating the public and food and beverage sellers on the risks that hazardous chemicals and food additives pose to internal organs and health.
In accordance with the regulatory bodies’ declaration, farmers are urged to use scientifically proven storage techniques, such as hermetic bags, permitted fumigants, and conventional protectants like wood ash and neem seed powder.
The public should exercise caution when making purchases at the market to ensure food safety.
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Dear Editor,
The recent flooding in various parts of Accra has once again exposed the city’s long-standing drainage and sanitation challenges.
Heavy rains over the past weeks have submerged homes, stranded motorists, destroyed properties and displaced several residents in communities such as Alajo, Mallam, Kaneshie, Dansoman and other flood-prone areas.
Reports also indicate that the spillage of the Weija Dam has worsened the situation for some downstream communities.
It is worrying that flooding has become an annual occurrence despite repeated promises by authorities to address the problem.
Many drains remain choked with refuse, waterways are obstructed by illegal structures, and poor planning continues to increase the vulnerability of residents.
The consequences are not only economic but also pose serious risks to human lives and public health.
While government agencies and NADMO have activated emergency response measures, prevention must receive equal attention.
Citizens must stop dumping waste into gutters, while city authorities must intensify desilting exercises, enforce building regulations and ensure that drainage systems are properly maintained.
Accra deserves a lasting solution to this recurring disaster. The time has come for all stakeholders government, local assemblies and residents to work together to make the capital safer and more resilient during the rainy season.
Samuel Tetteh,
Accra.
Dear Editor
I write with deep concern about the steady decline and near-collapse of our once-promising movie industry.
Not long ago, Ghana’s film sector was vibrant, producing movies that entertained, educated, and projected our culture across Africa and beyond.
Today, however, the industry appears to be struggling for survival.
Many talented actors, directors, and producers are leaving the scene due to lack of funding, poor distribution channels, and minimal government support.
Piracy continues to rob filmmakers of their rightful earnings, while investors show little confidence in the sector because returns are uncertain.
As a result, production quality has dropped significantly, and audiences are gradually turning to foreign content.
Another major challenge is the absence of modern equipment and well-equipped studios. In addition, the lack of structured training institutions for film production and acting has affected professionalism in the industry.
Social media content creators have now replaced traditional filmmakers, but without proper coordination, this cannot fully sustain a national film industry.
If urgent steps are not taken, Ghana risks losing an important cultural and economic asset. I therefore appeal to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, private investors, and stakeholders to collaborate in reviving the industry through funding support, strict anti-piracy measures, and the establishment of modern film production hubs.
Our stories matter, and our industry must not be allowed to die.
Jane Addai,
Accra
