WATCH: AMA Raises Alarm Over Roadside Vendors Using Plastics in Frying Bofrot and Plantain Chips

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has raised serious concerns about food safety practices among some street food vendors in Accra. According to an AMA official, certain sellers of bofrot (Ghanaian doughnuts) and plantain chips have been using plastic materials in the frying process to make the foods appear crispier.

The practice, the official warned, poses significant health risks to consumers. When plastics are heated, they can release harmful chemicals that may affect the body when ingested. The AMA officer stressed the importance of safe cooking practices and urged food vendors to avoid shortcuts that compromise food quality and public health.

Street food, including bofrot and plantain chips, is a staple in many parts of Accra, particularly around markets, schools, and transport hubs. Its popularity means that many residents and visitors consume these foods daily. However, the revelation that plastics are being used in the frying process has sparked concern among health-conscious consumers and parents.

The AMA official noted that these practices are not only dangerous but also illegal, as they contravene food safety regulations in Ghana. The Assembly has reportedly pledged to increase inspections of food vending areas and educate vendors on safe frying methods that maintain crispiness without endangering public health.

Experts in food safety have long warned against using non-food materials in cooking. Chemicals released from burning plastics can accumulate in the body and are linked to various health issues, including digestive problems, hormonal disruptions, and long-term toxicity. The AMA’s intervention aims to curb such practices and ensure that street foods meet minimum health standards.

Consumers are being advised to stay vigilant when purchasing street foods. They should observe how foods are prepared and avoid vendors who engage in questionable practices. The AMA also encourages reporting any unsafe food preparation practices to local authorities to prevent potential health hazards.

While street food remains an important part of Ghanaian culture and daily life, safety should never be compromised. The AMA’s proactive approach seeks to balance the vibrancy of street food culture with the imperative of public health and safety.

By addressing these issues, authorities hope to ensure that the beloved local snacks, from crunchy plantain chips to sweet, golden bofrot, can continue to be enjoyed without putting the health of consumers at risk.

Watch the video below:

Poison food: bofrot and plantain chips sellers use plastics to fry to get it crispy – Florence Kuukyi (Director for Public Health, AMA)#DwasoNsem#MarketWomen pic.twitter.com/OijxeBu6YT

— Adom1063fm (@Adom1063fm) February 20, 2026

Source: Thepressradio.com