Journal of Food Processing & Technology

Environmental Policy Effect on Food Packaging and Health, Case Study Cameroon: The Ban on Sale and Use of Non-Biodegradable Plastics

Reinventing the Food & Beverage Industry

May 09-10, 2016 New Orleans, USA

Christabel Smith Aziah

University of Hohenheim, Germany

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Food Process Technol

Abstract:

Access to affordable and safe methods for food packaging and preservation continues to be an indispensable issue to be addressed in Cameroon. This has become more evident after the ban on the sale and use of non-biodegradable plastics, a major method for food packaging in Cameroon. According to the ministry of environment, protection of nature and sustainable development, 58% of Cameroonâ??s population discards their plastic wastes into the open air, these plastics which take a long time to degrade into particles, affecting wildlife, human health and environment, constituting 10% of 6 million tons of waste produced per day in Cameroon. While this policy may have resulted in preserving the environment in the short run, the intended benefits are outweighed by the external costs associated with food safety, nutrition and health; about 340 tons of plastics have been seized from vendors, which has resulted in food such as bread, vegetables, fruits, meat, being sold unpackaged and contaminated through direct contact with air pollutants. Increased enzymatic activity from reaction with extreme temperature and moisture during exposure quicken the ripening and spoilage of food, which decrease the nutritional value of food. This paper sought to present a detailed analysis of the policy on the ban of non-biodegradable plastics and its effects on food packaging and health and also to identify alternative methods for food packaging and to what extent they can be used sustainably in Cameroon. Method used is review and analysis of the policy, related literature, articles and scientific journals. It is expected that through recommendations and propositions made, a sound policy and access to sustainable methods for food packaging and plastic waste disposal be adopted and implemented by the government of Cameroon while public sensitization on the side effects of use and improper disposal of non-biodegradable plastics be reinforced through non- governmental organizations and local groups.

Biography :

Email: christabelaziah@gmail.com