Ghana has launched a nationwide investigation into alleged plastic contamination in plantain chips, following viral social media footage suggesting that some food processors may be melting plastic into hot oil during production.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) announced that it has begun market surveillance and laboratory testing across the country to verify the claims and protect consumers. According to the Ghana News Agency, the videos appear to show producers adding polyethylene to frying oil in an attempt to make the chips crispier and extend their shelf life.
In a statement, the FDA stressed that deliberately melting plastic into cooking oil constitutes chemical contamination, rendering the food unsafe for human consumption.
The regulator warned that adding plastic materials, particularly Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), into hot oil could pose serious health risks by accelerating the release of harmful substances such as plasticizers, phthalates and antioxidants into the food.
Authorities said they are working with local government officials and the Ghana Police Service to monitor suspected vendors and enforce food safety regulations. The FDA added that laboratory test results will be made public once the investigation is completed.
Source: TRT Africa
