The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned the public against utilising cement or any unapproved materials for the preservation of beans, in light of a viral video circulating on social media that suggests this practice.
In a press release dated February 16, 2026, the authority indicated that the video, which seemingly depicts beans being preserved with a white powdery substance thought to be concrete cement, does not represent approved agricultural or food preservation methods in Ghana.
The FDA stated that the technique 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.
Upon reviewing the video, the authority observed that the language used is not Ghanaian.
A translation of the narration reportedly uncovers unsafe and unsanitary handling practices, including the use of chemicals with bare hands and the lack of protective clothing.
The footage also shows an individual standing directly on a pile of beans without any protective equipment.
The FDA stressed that the use of cement for food preservation is 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 highlighted.
It further denounced the use of unapproved substances, inadequate hygiene practices, and direct hand contact with food without protective gear, labelling them as breaches of acceptable food safety standards.
The authority reassured the public that such practices are not supported in Ghana and advised farm produce aggregators and retailers to avoid engaging in or promoting unsafe preservation techniques.
Consumers have been encouraged to report any suspicious food handling or preservation practices to the FDA for investigation and potential sanctions.
