Study finds tyre-singed meat contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals

A recent study led by Prosper Manu Abdulai from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology has raised alarms about the health risks posed by certain methods of singeing meat.

Joy News stated, “The research tested meat singed using firewood, LPG gas, and tyres in Ghana’s five largest cities—Kumasi, Accra, Karidia, Tamale, and Ho. We found that meat singed with tyres had the highest levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), especially a dangerous carbon called benzopyrene, which is a serious carcinogen.”

The study involved collecting 180 samples of cattle and goat meat, singed using different fuel types, and the findings were concerning.

“We found traces of PAHs even before the meat was singed, but after the singeing process, the contamination levels went very high. It was much worse when tyres were used,” Abdulai explained.

The research also revealed a significant difference in contamination levels between different cities. “The contamination was particularly high in meats purchased from abattoirs in Kumasi, Accra, and Tamale,” Abdulai said. He noted that these meats were more commonly purchased, despite the health risks involved.

The study indicated that certain groups, such as children and older adults, are at a higher risk from these chemicals. “Children and older adults are more at risk from these chemicals,” Abdulai warned.

As a solution, Abdulai suggested, “We are encouraging stakeholders to adopt safer practices at abattoirs, such as using LPG gas for singeing meat.

“There’s a process that uses waste to generate gas, which could be pushed forward as a viable alternative. Although we did find some traces of PAHs when using LPG, it is far better than using firewood or tyres.”

The study calls for stricter regulations to ensure that safer methods are implemented, ultimately protecting public health.

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