The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has announced that persons found using plastics or polythene in frying plantain chips would be arrested and prosecuted.
According to the FDA, using plastics or polythene in frying plantain constitutes a criminal offence.
The FDA, in a statement, highlighted that the melting of plastic in frying oil constitutes direct chemical contamination of food and renders the product unsafe for human consumption.
In a statement, the FDA urged consumers to remain vigilant and report plantain chips that have an unusual chemical smell, a plastic-like aftertaste, or maintain the same texture for an unusually long period.
The FDA have further announced that they have launched nationwide market surveillance and laboratory testing of plantain chips following allegations.
Parts of the FDA statement read, “Pursuant to Section 100 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which prohibits the sale of unwholesome or contaminated food, the use of any non-food-grade additive, including plastics, in food preparation is a criminal offence. Any person found engaging in this practice will face the full rigours of the law, including prosecution and permanent closure of their business”.
The FDA action comes after videos and reports circulating on social media, which alleged that some plantain chip vendors were using melted plastic in frying to enhance the crispiness and shelf life of the product.
Meanwhile, a Ghanaian plantain chips seller has claimed there is nothing wrong with frying plantain chips with plastic bags.
The Plantain chips seller made these claims while she demonstrated how the chips are fried using plastic bags to achieve a crisp finish.
According to the Plantain chips seller, the plastic does not melt into the oil, and as such, arguing that the current public outrage is only being generated by some persons to destroy their businesses.
Speaking in a video shared by SIKAOFFICIAL on X, the Plantain chips seller boldly claimed, “There’s nothing wrong with frying plantain chips with plastic bags. Family, look at this; the plantain chips that you claim we fry with plastic bags, I don’t understand. Look at the plastic bag we placed in the oil. It is still the same even after putting it in the hot oil.
So, I don’t understand why Ghanaians have believed the claim that we fry with plastic bags. What at all happens when we put the bag in the oil to fry that you want to spoil our business?” she quizzed.
She further added, “If it’s a deliberate thing you are doing to destroy our businesses, then please stop because you won’t gain anything”.
The Plantain chips trader’s remark has ignited debate on X, with netizens saying, “ Herr education is really good o. Why does she think rubber shrank? Organic chemistry in tears rn”.
One more X user added, “I think you may have misunderstood her point. From what I gathered, she was suggesting that adding plastic to the oil does not make theplantains crispy or enhance their flavour. So, why would anyone add plastic when frying plantains? I could be wrong, but that’s my understanding”.
A netizen added, “Some of us actually prefer the plastic lining. It keeps the chips looking crisp, fresh and more appealing. They can offer two options, one with the plastic for those who value that extra crunch and presentation, and one without it for those who prefer a more natural package. That way, everyone gets what they prefer”.
One more Ghanaian wrote, “So common sense go tell you say the rubber is made with chemicals, and why does it shrink and will not remain in its normal state when dropped in the oil ?”
Another Ghanaian called on the FDA to act, “So, what is the purpose of a plastic in a frying plantain? The FDA must quickly act and get these people to do the right thing”.
“When someone can confidently say this on camera, the issue is bigger than outrage.
This isn’t about destroying businesses. It’s about public health standards. Food safety cannot depend on personal belief. It requires science and regulation”, a netizen added.
One last netizen added, “That’s not what she said!! Twi may seem easy to speak, but it takes tact and wisdom to understand. She said plastic stays the same and unchanged in oil, so of what use would it be to fry plantain with plastic when it doesn’t add any additional benefits or value to the plantain?”.
See the post below:
FDA to prosecute persons found using plastics or polythene in frying plantain; cautions act constitutes a criminal offense#JoyNews #Viral #Explorepage #Ghana #JoyFM #GhanaNews #Ghana #NewsUpdate #Africa #GhPolitics #News #AfricaNews #CurrentAffairs #Vlog pic.twitter.com/6wpkrY1QPK
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) March 11, 2026