Just like me, you might decide to stop eating plantain chips entirely after reading this.
A viral video circulating on X has left many people, including myself, shocked, disturbed and questioning one of the most popular snacks sold on Nigerian and Ghanaian streets — plantain chips.
In the video, a Ghanaian woman shows two ways of frying plantain chips. 
First, she fries dried plantain slices in ordinary groundnut oil. The result looks exactly how you would expect properly fried plantain chips to look — light in colour and slightly soft with the natural texture of fried plantain.
Then comes the second part of the demonstration.
She fries another batch of dried plantain slices in the same oil she had melted plastic in.
The result is what caught everyone’s attention.
The plantain chips from the second batch come out looking extremely crunchy, stiff and almost identical to the plantain chips commonly sold by roadside vendors and hawkers.
For many viewers, myself included, the realisation is both shocking and disturbing.
How People Are Reacting
Many people expressed disbelief and anger.
One user wrote: “Save your strength, wai. I for one have forever stopped buying it for my own peace of mind. I don’t have time to try to distinguish which is which. I’ll fry some at home if I am desperate. For now, dear, ay3ka.”
Another person said: “The more they share, the more they expose the challenge. I do not blame them because they are laymen and do not understand the science of putting rubber in boiling oil with the leakage of chemicals which are carcinogenic, causing cancer. Who knows where all diseases are coming from?”
Some viewers said the video confirmed suspicions they had always had about why certain plantain chips are unusually hard or remain crunchy for long periods.
Someone added: “I heard about this but was convinced it was fake. I cannot fathom someone dissolving plastic in their food on purpose. WTAF HOW???”
Others are left with no words to type and could only respond with “Jesus”.
Health Benefits of plantain
Plantain is known to have the following benefits:
- It is rich in dietary fibre, which helps digestion and supports gut health.
- Plantain contains potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
- It provides vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin C.
- Plantains are a good source of complex carbohydrates.
ALSO READ: What Happens When You Drink Hypo Bleach?
Why Plastic in Cooking Oil Is Dangerous
When plastic is melted at high temperature, it releases harmful chemicals. Many plastics contain compounds that are not meant to be ingested by humans.
These compounds have been explained by experts to cause damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys as well as disrupt the body’s hormonal system and increase the risk of certain cancers.
Adding it to cooking oil and using the same oil to fry consumable food is dangerous to the health.
A Growing Food Safety Conversation
The viral video has brought to light once again conversation about food safety and how street snacks are prepared.
While some viewers believe the video exposes a dangerous practice, others have urged people not to assume that all plantain chip vendors use such methods.
True, many vendors prepare their products properly using normal cooking oil and hygienic methods, but the circulation of that video will make people pause and rethink before buying plantain chips or any fried snack.
However, the solution is simple: make plantain chips at home where you control the ingredients and cooking process.
After watching the viral video, many viewers say they are now more cautious about where they buy food.
The realisation has left one uncomfortable question on the lips of everyone: What exactly are we eating?
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