The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a strong public warning over the alleged use of cement or other unapproved substances in preserving beans, following a viral video circulating on social media.
In a press release dated February 16, 2026, the Authority clarified that the footage — which appears to show beans being treated with a white powdery substance suspected to be concrete cement — does not represent approved agricultural or food preservation practices in Ghana.
According to the FDA, the method shown in the video is neither recognised nor endorsed by the Plant Protection and Regulation Services Directorate (PPRSD) under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
The Authority further noted that, upon reviewing the video, the language spoken in the footage does not appear to be Ghanaian.
A translation of the narration reportedly points to unsafe and unhygienic food handling procedures, including the application of chemicals with bare hands and without protective clothing.
The video also shows an individual standing directly on a heap of beans without any protective gear — a practice the FDA described as unacceptable.
Reiterating its position, the FDA stressed that the use of cement for food preservation is strictly prohibited under Ghana’s food safety regulations.
“The FDA, together with its stakeholder institutions, does not approve of food preservation practices that compromise food safety and public health,” the statement emphasised.
The Authority further condemned the use of unapproved substances, poor hygiene standards, and direct hand contact with food without protective wear, describing such acts as clear violations of established food safety guidelines.
It assured the public that these practices are not supported or encouraged in Ghana and cautioned farm produce aggregators and retailers against engaging in or promoting unsafe preservation methods.
Consumers have also been advised to report any suspicious food handling or preservation practices to the FDA for prompt investigation and possible sanctions.
