The scandal over the use of formalin on food in Cameroon continues to make waves despite the government’s attempts to put an end to it. Doctors are sounding the alarm, consumers are worried and the markets remain the scene of this dangerous practice for health.
In the markets of the capital Yaoundé, the use of formalin on food is an open secret. Sellers spray an indefinable substance on plantains and other fruits, without consumers really being aware of it. The effects of this practice can be dramatic for health: respiratory problems, severe vesicular lesions in the digestive organs, and many other problems.
Despite seizures made by the government and alerts issued by health professionals, formalin remains present on market stalls. Traders thus hope to prolong the shelf life of their products, which endangers the health of consumers. Faced with this reality, some experts now recommend buying directly from growers to avoid these contaminated products.
It is obvious that this practice must be vigorously combated. The government has launched a crusade against the use of formalin on food, but there is still a way to go to eradicate this dangerous practice. Consumers must be informed and encouraged to make more responsible choices by opting for fresh and natural products from reliable sources. And it is essential to raise awareness among merchants of the dangers linked to the use of harmful substances on food.
In conclusion, the fight against the use of formalin on food in Cameroon is still far from over. It is imperative to strengthen control measures, raise consumer awareness and severely punish those who continue to practice this dangerous method. Markets must become safe spaces where people can buy healthy, quality food. Consumer health must not be compromised in the name of profit.