Accra: A video of a plantain-chips trader demonstrating how to use plastic bags to fry chips has sparked outrage on social media. In the clip, the trader insists there is nothing wrong with the practice, saying, "There's nothing wrong with frying plantain chips with plastic bags."
According to Ghana Web, the trader further demonstrates the method and argues that the plastic does not melt into the oil, adding that the current public outrage is being driven by people who want to damage small businesses. She questioned the rationale behind the claims, stating, "Family, look at this; the plantain chips that you claim we fry with plastic bags, I don't understand. Look at the plastic bag we placed in the oil. It is still the same even after putting it in the hot oil. So, I don't understand why Ghanaians have believed the claim that we fry with plastic bags. What at all happens when we put the bag in the oil to fry that you want to spoil our business?"
The trader expressed that the criticism is unfair and could harm livelihoods, adding, "If it's a deliberate thing you are doing to destroy our businesses, then please stop because you won't gain anything."
The one-minute, three-second footage has since garnered strong responses online, with many users expressing concern about possible health and safety risks and calling for immediate action from food-safety authorities. The video has renewed calls for clearer guidance and enforcement from regulatory bodies to protect both consumers and informal traders.