The Crops Research Institute (CRI) has condemned the use of cement for storing cowpea, citing it as highly unsafe and unscientific.
A statement by CRI, signed by the Director, Prof. Maxwell D. Asante and other officials, emphasised that this practice poses serious health risks to consumers and undermines efforts to improve post-harvest storage and food safety in Ghana.
The CRI’s warning comes after a video circulated on social media showing the use of cement powder for cowpea preservation.
The Institute stressed that cement is not a food-grade substance and is not approved for use in food or grain preservation.
The CRI, however, recommends approved and safe cowpea storage methods, including proper grain drying, hermetic storage technologies like PICS bags, approved grain protectants, clean storage facilities, botanical protectants and integrated pest management.
The Institute cautions the public against using cement, industrial chemicals, and household insecticides not labeled for grain, emphasising that these practices are harmful and unacceptable.
The CRI assured of its commitment to promoting safe, evidence-based and internationally accepted post-harvest handling practices.
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