In Cameroon, the use of formalin in food markets raises serious concerns. This substance, declared carcinogenic since 2004, is used to ripen fruits or prolong the shelf life of foods, such as meat and fish. Despite the government’s efforts and doctors’ warnings, formalin remains widely available in the markets.
In a market in the capital, Yaoundé, it is easy to see the use of formalin. Sellers spray a substance on fruits and vegetables, without worrying about the consequences for the health of consumers. This practice is not very visible for fruits that are already ripe when they arrive at the market, but for plantains, the formalin spray is clearly observable.
Consumers are aware of the presence of formalin in foods, but are often helpless in the face of this reality. A customer says she bought plantains that looked ripe at the market, but when she peeled them at home, she discovered they were hard and had lesions. Meat and fish are not spared either; traders treat them with formalin in order to prolong their conservation.
Doctors are sounding the alarm about the dangers of formalin on the health of consumers. In fact, its use on foodstuffs can cause respiratory problems, severe lesions in the stomach, intestine and kidneys, among other complications.
Faced with this problem, some experts recommend buying directly from growers to avoid foods treated with formalin. Dr. Polain Nzobeuh, biologist therapist, encourages the consumption of natural and organic products, and warns against the dangers of formalinated products for health. According to him, the consumption of fresh and natural products is preferable, even if they deteriorate more quickly.
The Cameroonian government has taken measures to combat the use of formalin in markets. Seizures of more than 5,000 liters of formalin were made during the last eight months of the year. However, much remains to be done to completely eliminate this practice and protect consumer health.
In conclusion, the use of formalin in food markets in Cameroon remains a worrying problem. Despite government efforts, consumers are exposed to foods treated with this carcinogenic substance. It is necessary to increase awareness among the population about the dangers of formalin and to promote the consumption of natural and organic products to guarantee a healthy and safe diet.