White Powdery Substance Used in Food Preparation Isn’t Bleach- FDA

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has debunked the myth surrounding a white element used in some local food preparation as a food additive.

Before this, it was believed to be bleach, a hazardous substance believed to be used for cleaning called “akeshaa parazone” which is said to have an adverse health effect on consumers.

However, a routine market surveillance and laboratory tests by the Authority proved that the white powdery substance used for preparing these foods is sodium carbonate, commonly known as soda ash light.

It explained that this is a globally recognized and approved food additive with diverse technological applications.

“It is not a cleaning powder or bleach,” it emphasised, adding that Sodium carbonate enhances the texture and colour of foods by altering pH levels. It increases the sliminess of okro and “ayoyo” and helps tenderise other foods such as meat or beans in “waakye.”

“While sodium carbonate (soda ash light) and bleach (akeshaa parazone) may look similar, as both are white powders, they are fundamentally different. Sodium carbonate is odourless with a salty taste and is safe for consumption as an additive. Bleach (akeshaa parazone), on the other hand, has a strong, pungent and toxic odor, and may cause severe health damage if ingested, including burning and organ damage. It can be fatal. Bleach must never be used in food.”

In a follow-up to this, the FDA is stepping up its market sensitisation and consumer education on critical protocols for buying, selling, and stocking regulated products, as well as enforcing the labelling of all regulated products with marketing authorisation.

Meanwhile, it urged consumers to report any suspicious practices, products with unusual chemical smells, or adverse reactions through the ‘Make a Complaint’ section on our website at www.fdaghana.gov.gh or by contacting us on any of our social media platforms and hotlines listed below.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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