FDA warns against using cement to preserve beans
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned the public against using cement or any unapproved materials to preserve beans, following a viral video circulating on social media that promotes the practice.
In a press release on February 16, 2026, the FDA stated that the footage, which appears to show beans being treated with a white powdery substance believed to be cement, does not reflect approved agricultural or food preservation methods in Ghana.
The authority explained that the method shown in the video is neither recognised nor endorsed by the Plant Protection and Regulation Services Directorate (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. A review of the video also revealed that the language spoken is not Ghanaian.
A translation of the narration reportedly highlighted unsafe and unhygienic practices, including handling chemicals with bare hands and the absence of protective clothing. The footage also shows an individual standing directly on a heap of beans without any protective gear.
The FDA stressed that using 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 said. It condemned the use of unapproved substances, poor hygiene, and direct hand contact with food without protective wear as clear violations of acceptable food safety standards.
The authority reassured the public that such practices are not endorsed in Ghana and urged farm produce aggregators and retailers to avoid unsafe preservation methods. Consumers are encouraged to report any suspicious food handling or preservation activities to the FDA for investigation and potential sanctions.