Study Uncovers Cancer Risks from Tyre-Singed Meat Processing
A revealing study conducted by Akenten Appiah Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology highlights the severe cancer risks associated with consuming meat singed using vehicle tyres. The research, led by Dr. Prosper Manu Abdulai, found that meat processed this way contains alarmingly high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dangerous chemicals known to cause cancer.
The research involved the collection of meat samples from five major Ghanaian cities: Kumasi, Accra, Koforidua, Tamale, and Ho. An analysis of 180 samples of beef and mutton singed with firewood, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and vehicle tyres revealed that tyres produced the highest PAH concentrations. Particularly concerning was the presence of Benzo[a]pyrene, with levels in cattle and goat meat far exceeding European safety limits.
Despite efforts such as washing and scraping to reduce PAH levels, the findings showed that meat singed with tyres remains significantly more hazardous compared to those processed with firewood or LPG. The researchers emphasized the heightened vulnerability of children and the elderly to these toxic substances, advocating for a shift towards safer singeing methods.
To mitigate these health risks, the study strongly recommends the adoption of LPG as a safer alternative, highlighting its lower PAH levels. Additionally, it calls for the strict enforcement of regulations prohibiting the use of tyres in meat processing, with penalties for non-compliance. Dr. Abdulai stressed the need for proper systems in abattoirs to ensure the exclusive use of LPG, urging immediate public health initiatives to raise awareness and implement safer meat processing practices.
Source: 3News