A new study has found the consumption of ‘Wele’ or cowhide to be toxic and injurious to human health.
Wele, also popularly known in Kumasi as ‘Kahuro’ is by far the cheapest meat-snack which is sold on the Ghanaian market. But that does not mean it is largely consumed by the poor.
Notably, Wele is a common delicacy which complements almost every local meal you can think of.
Some Wele are hard whiles others are soft. Regardless of its texture, it makes every meal delicious. Wele is best served with ‘Waakye’ as well as okro and palm nut soup.
A new study has found that ‘Although Wele is relatively affordable and has high nutritional value, it is also hazardous’.
A section of the yet-to-be published scientific report, as sighted by Kasatintin.com outlined four major reasons why eating Wele is dangerous:
It said ‘Most of these animal hides are meant for industrial use’.
The report revealed that ‘Some of the animal hides are sometimes per-treated with industrial chemicals, which are not of food grade and are toxic and injurious to human health’.
It maintained that ‘The imported animal hides are meant for industrial use by leather industries for the manufacturing of items such as shoes, bags, belts and others’.
The report further claimed that the ‘Health hazards inherent in the consumption of such animal hides include risk of liver, kidney and heart damage, increased risk of Aplastic anaemia, central nervous system toxicity, cancer and more.’
SOURCE: Kasatintin.com
