CRI Warns Against Using Cement for Cowpea Storage
From Ernest Best Anane, Kumasi
The Crops Research Institute (CRI) has condemned the use of cement for storing cowpea, citing it as highly unsafe and unscientific. The Institute’s statement, signed by Director Prof. Maxwell D. Asante and other officials, emphasizes that this practice poses serious health risks to consumers and undermines efforts to improve post-harvest storage and food safety in Ghana.
The CRI’s warning comes after a video circulated on social media showing the use of cement powder for cowpea preservation. The Institute stresses that cement is not a food-grade substance and is not approved for use in food or grain preservation.
Instead, the CRI recommends approved and safe cowpea storage methods, including proper grain drying, hermetic storage technologies like PICS bags, approved grain protectants, clean storage facilities, botanical protectants, and integrated pest management.
The Institute cautions the public against using cement, industrial chemicals, and household insecticides not labeled for grain, emphasizing that these practices are harmful and unacceptable. The CRI remains committed to promoting safe, evidence-based, and internationally accepted post-harvest handling practices.
