{
  "id": 16765126,
  "title": "Eating from styrofoam takeaway packs is like eating petrol- Frederick Ofori-Nuako",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/eating-from-styrofoam-takeaway-packs-is-like-eating-petrol-frederick",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-27T16:20:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GBC Ghana",
    "slug": "gbc-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/general-news/styrofoam-takeaway/2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The consumption of food from styrofoam containers, a common practice in Ghana, could be likened to ingesting petrol, according to health advocates. Speaking on the GTV Breakfast show, Deputy Director of Environmental Education at the Environmental Protection Agency emphasized the serious health risks posed by this habit. Styrofoam, a prevalent food container in Ghana, is derived from petroleum and reacts dangerously when in contact with hot and oily foods. The chemical interaction that occurs when hot food is stored in these containers is straightforward but poses significant dangers. Many Ghanaians, however, remain oblivious to these implications.\n\nThe expert highlighted the urgent requirement for more public education to make consumers aware of the risks associated with styrofoam packaging. This practice has become the norm for most cooked foods sold on the streets and in restaurants. He stressed that investing in healthcare to treat preventable health conditions resulting from poor food packaging decisions negates the purpose of earning a livelihood. Warning against this, he underscored that spending money on health is not a viable option.\n\nHealth professionals have consistently warned that styrofoam contains styrene, a chemical that can seep into food, particularly when heated, especially with hot, oily, or acidic foods. Long-term exposure to styrene has been associated with nervous system effects, hormonal disruption, and potential cancer risks, as per various food safety studies. Consequently, the EPA is urging the public to opt for safer alternatives like paper packs, glass containers, stainless steel bowls, or food-grade plastic containers for carrying hot foods. The EPA is also calling on regulators to enforce stricter food packaging safety standards in the country.",
  "summary": "By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave Health advocates have renewed warnings over the use of styrofoam takeaway containers for hot foods, cautioning that the practice poses serious health risks to consumers. Speaking in an interview on the GTV Breakfast show today, October 27, 2026, Deputy Director of Environmental Education at the Environmental Protection Agency explained that styrofoam, […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Styrofoam containers likened to eating petrol by health advocates",
    "Styrene chemical in styrofoam can seep into hot, oily, acidic foods",
    "EPA urges public to use safer alternatives like paper, glass, stainless steel"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}