Since Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research at the University of Ghana, published it research on a local drink, Brukina, which revealed that the drink contains a cancer causing substance, there has been vociferous vituperations against the research, from mainly the producers of the local delicacy.
In explaining its research, NMIMR, said “Some harmful levels of aflatoxins [a family of toxins produced by fungi called Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus] that can cause cancer have been found in samples of ‘Brukina’ and the millet and dairy milk used to prepare it”.
Quoting the report cited by Myjoyonline , it said, Scientists found after investigations that one sample from Ashaiman and two from Nima had unacceptable levels of aflatoxins in them.
Furthermore, 12 samples of dairy milk from Ashaiman and 10 from Nima, also contained high levels of aflatoxin above the acceptable limit.
Two other millet samples were found with the cancerous substance from Ashaiman, while same was found in 6 samples from Nima.
Not long after the report became public, Brukina producers, especially those in the Greater Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi, drew their dagger against NMIMR, condemning the research.
According to the ‘Brukina’ Producers Association led by Ms. Bilqis Musa, they have experienced losses since the findings of the research was made public.
“We have run at a loss. The drinks are in the fridge and people are not patronizing it. I have 20 employees, 15 out of the 20 living with me while 5 of them are students.
“Each of them carries 200 pieces of the Brukina drinks, now no one is buying,” she lamented.
The fact that, we were going to see this reaction was anticipated.
As a newspaper, we wish to state that it is the prerogative of Noguchi Memorial Institute to undertake research, but in making a research of this nature, it is also their responsibility to come out with a solution to help rid the local delicacy of the cancer causing agents.
That Noguchi, has to consider that, this is a source of livelihood for many Ghanaians, as well as Burkina, being a delicacy for consumers, is a valid argument.
From the forgoing, this begs of Noguchi to engage the women to find solution to the substance in the drink that causes cancer, in order to help sustain their livelihood.
