Cameroon: People exposed to three dangerous products
The health of Cameroonians is at risk due to the use of harmful substances in food products sold on the market. Some individuals, either with bad intentions or lacking information, are compromising the well-being of citizens. Three specific substances causing concern are potassium bromate, formaldehyde (known as formol in French), and ethephon. When these substances are used improperly or excessively, they can harm the health of a population that is already vulnerable due to various crises.
In response to the increasing complaints, Cameroonians authorities are taking steps to educate those who use these harmful products. For instance, on September 19th, the Director of the Standards and Quality Agency (Anor), Charles Booto à Ngon, reminded bakery operators that the use of potassium bromate as a food additive in bread and bakery products has been prohibited since June 17, 2020. Some bakers continue to ignore these rules by not obtaining certificates of conformity. The director called on such operators to comply within 30 days from September 19th.
Additionally, on September 11th, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development announced a decree prohibiting the use of ethephon in crops other than pineapples and rubber. The decree also sets a maximum allowable level of ethephon in pineapple and rubber cultivation. The Minister emphasized that ethephon does not ripen plantains; it only changes the color of the plantain skin without actually ripening the fruit.
Furthermore, in a communication dated July 11th, the Sub-Prefect of Dschang in the Western Region denounced the fraudulent use of formaldehyde for ripening and preserving food products. He also announced an operation to remove from the markets goods unfit for consumption, stating that such actions by unscrupulous traders seriously endanger public health.
Health experts warn that these substances are carcinogenic and can harm the kidneys, cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and even deafness. Given these health risks, Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute instructed a meeting in August involving the Minister of Commerce and relevant government agencies, including Anor. After the meeting, measures were put in place to address the issue, including strict product control, the presence of authorities in the field, and the enforcement of administrative, judicial, and penal sanctions.
