News
Wrapping Fante kenkey in polyethylene …dangerous to health
• Mrs Delese Darko, CEO of FDA
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has reiterated the use of traditional wrapping materials such as dried plantain or banana leaves. These materials, according to the FDA, are natural and do not release harmful chemicals when heated. Additionally, they add flavour and aroma to the food, enhancing its taste and overall experience.
The FDA has, therefore, cautioned producers and consumers of the continuous use of plastic films as a primary packaging material for Fante kenkey. has raised health concerns admonished the public on the effect of using polythene for packaging Fante Kenkey.
According to the FDA, the temperature at which the kenkey was cooked could release harmful chemicals and toxins in plastics, which can contaminate the kenkey, posed health risks to consumers.
The FDA said, the use of polyethylene in wrapping Fante kenkey before cooking should be discouraged due to the biological magnification of phthalates as their continual consumption could pose severe public health issues.
Research findings published in scientific journals for decades have also shown that BPA is immediately excreted in the urine when ingested, indicating a low public health concern.
It cited a study conducted by Mensah et al (2012) which revealed that one of the primary concerns for the use of plastics in cooking Fante kenkey is the release of plasticizers which are chemicals added to plastics to increase their flexibility and durability. Plasticizers such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates have been linked to various health problems, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and cancer. When plastics are heated, plasticizers can leach into the food they are in contact with, causing food contamination. Another concern is the release of dioxins and furans, which are toxic chemicals that can form when polystyrene plastics are heated to high
As indicated above, BPA and phthalates are synthetic chemicals used as precursor materials in the manufacturing of plastics. Moreno (2014) also reported that some studies in women found that exposure to phthalates had led to increased levels of thyroid hormone, oxidative stress, and illnesses such as endometriosis and breast cancer.
These chemicals have also been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, reproductive issues, and immune system damage.
It is important to note, however, that Bisphenol A, which is used in polycarbonate plastic containers, is not used in the manufacture of low-density polyethylene plastics, including those used for bagging koko and the ‘olonka’ bags.
Consumers are also advised not to buy sachets and bottled water displayed on the bare sun, refuse hot food items packaged in direct contact with plastic bags, and also avoid covering boiling food items with plastic bags.
By Spectator Reporter
New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed sympathy to people affected by the recent floods and appealed to Ghanaians to cooperate with government agencies responding to the disaster.
In a Facebook post on Monday June 29, Dr Bawumia extended his condolences to families who had lost loved ones and sympathised with those whose homes and properties had been destroyed by the floods.
He noted that his thoughts and prayers were with the thousands of people affected by the disaster.
Dr Bawumia urged citizens to comply with all directives issued by the government and support institutions responsible for managing the emergency.
He appealed to the emergency services and other relevant authorities to do everything possible to reach affected communities and provide assistance to those in need.
According to him, the country will overcome the difficult period if Ghanaians continue to care for and support one another.
He concluded his message with a prayer for God’s blessings upon Ghana.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Okyeame Kwame thanks Galaxxy International School for co-parenting with his family to raise daughter
Ghanaian music icon and entrepreneur, Okyeame Kwame is winning hearts online for a rare public thank-you to his daughter’s school.
His daughter, Sante Nsiah Apau, has just graduated after completing her O-Levels. And instead of only celebrating the milestone, Okyeame Kwame chose to spotlight the people who helped her get there.
Taking to his Instagram page, the “Clap” hitmaker thanked Galaxxy International School and all of Sante’s teachers. He praised them for their role in shaping Sante into “an intelligent lady with good social skills.”
He used “Co-parenting” word as a nod to the idea that raising children is not just a family job, but a shared responsibility with educators.
According to him, schools and teachers do a lot, but are mostly neglected.
Many were shocked to see a celebrity of Okyeame’s stature publicly credit a school rather than just posting graduation photos.
Teachers spend years mentoring, correcting, encouraging, and guiding students through some of their most formative years. Yet in some instances, when a child succeeds, the applause often goes only to the family.
Sante Nsiah Apau’s O-Level graduation marks the end of one chapter and the start of another. With her father’s public acknowledgment, the moment became bigger than a certificate, it became a lesson in gratitude.
