Cheap Food Near Gutters Comes with High Risks of Contamination: Nutritionist

Cape Coast: Dr Nana Ama Frimpomaa Agyapong, a Lecturer at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Cape Coast (UCC), has issued a warning to Ghanaians about the health risks of consuming food sold near gutters, specifically highlighting the dangers of popular dishes like cooked rice or 'waakye'. She emphasized that such foods are highly susceptible to contamination, potentially leading to severe foodborne diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera.According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Agyapong delivered her cautionary advice during a symposium focused on the advocacy for mandatory front-of-pack warning labelling in Ghana. The event, organized by the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND) in collaboration with SEND Ghana, aimed to educate UCC students on distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy diets. It also sought to pave the way for a proposed policy framework on Front-of-package warning labelling and Nutrition Profiling Models.Dr Agyapong explained that the environments where such street foods are sold are often contaminated with filth, bacteria, and harmful pathogens, which can easily lead to food pollution. She noted that gutters frequently contain sewage, refuse, and stagnant water, which attract flies and breed germs. She urged consumers to prioritize health over taste or price when choosing food, advocating for safer, hygienic eating practices to protect personal and family health.In addition to her warnings, Dr Agyapong recommended that Ghanaians incorporate more vegetables, such as garden eggs, kontomire, and turkey berries, into their diets and aim to eat at least one fruit a day. She suggested purchasing fruits in season or in bulk to make them more affordable, thus supporting a balanced diet.Other speakers at the symposium, including Prof Kingsley Asare Preko, Vice Dean at the School of Medical Sciences, UCC, echoed the importance of food safety and nutrition education. Prof Preko emphasized that food safety is crucial for preventing illnesses often associated with contam inated street foods and aligns with national public health goals aimed at reducing non-communicable diseases linked to poor diet and food safety.Prof Preko also advocated for legislation to mandate front-of-pack nutrition labelling, highlighting its potential to promote healthier food choices and enhance transparency in the food industry, thereby safeguarding consumers.SEND Ghana, a pro-poor policy advocacy group that sponsored the event, called on the government to increase the school feeding grant per pupil. The organization stressed that a boost in funding is essential for ensuring that children receive hot, nutritious, well-balanced meals daily, which is critical for both physical growth and academic success.Ms Baaba Sam, a representative of SEND Ghana, emphasized the need for Ghanaians to take control of their nutritional needs by discerning between healthy and unhealthy diets. Dr Agyapong urged stakeholders to support the program with funding to help eradicate hunger and malnutrition among school children, ultimately sustaining their health and learning potentials.She called on the government to significantly raise the school feeding grant to ensure every child has access to balanced meals, directly addressing malnutrition issues like stunted growth and unlocking brighter educational futures across the nation.