Corn mills, fufu machines cause bacterial contamination – Agric Engineer warns
An agricultural engineer with the Department of Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cape Coast, Ing. Prof. Francis Kumi, has warned that some locally-manufactured agro-processing machines may be leading contributors to bacterial contamination.
Agricultural engineer Ing. Prof Francis Kumi has cautioned that certain locally-made agro-processing machines, such as fufu pounding machines and corn mills, may be a major cause of bacterial contamination. During an interview on September 7, Prof Kumi highlighted the risks associated with poorly designed and manufactured machines, citing substandard production practices and the absence of enforceable manufacturing and hygiene standards.
While acknowledging the positive impact of local manufacturers on Ghana's agriculture and food-processing sector, Prof Kumi stressed that these machines must adhere to rigorous hygiene and safety standards. He pointed out that many fabricators fail to comply with Ghanaian standards, which could compromise food safety and increase the risk of contamination. For instance, he noted that some fufu pounding machines have been repurposed as grinding machines, potentially leading to unsafe food production.
Prof Kumi questioned whether modifying a machine's intended use could undermine food safety and raise contamination concerns. He emphasized that food processing equipment should be constructed using stainless steel, but many manufacturers opt for cheaper alternatives like mild or galvanized steel, often painted to resemble stainless steel. This choice can lead to the gradual wear of materials into the food, causing rust and other health issues, as evidenced by hospital visits.
The engineer described the manufacturing challenge as a "slow killer" that can result in various health complications. He urged relevant stakeholders to pay close attention to manufacturing standards for these machines. Despite the push for local fabrication to bolster the local industry and economy, Prof Kumi stressed that crucial standards must be applied to guide fabricators.
He advocated for a deliberate effort in the manufacturing process to ensure reliability, safety, durability, and environmental friendliness of the machines.
Additionally, Prof Kumi pointed out that inadequate manufacturing guidelines have created standardization gaps, resulting in numerous consumer complaints. He stressed that enforcing proper standards would enhance consumer confidence in locally-developed technology and strengthen Ghana's export potential, ultimately generating significant revenue for the country.
He called for greater collaboration and stakeholder engagement across sectors to develop and enforce standards that ensure locally-manufactured agro-processing machines are safe, hygienic, and competitive on the global stage. Prof Kumi expressed optimism that, in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority, progress could be made in advancing Ghana's agriculture and processing sectors, thereby boosting productivity.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
