Anne Esther Njom Nlend, professor of medicine and president of the Cameroon Society of Perinatal Medicine (CSPM), has warned about the health risks associated with consuming roadside grilled meat.
In a post on Twitter (X), Prof. Njom Nlend emphasized that street food, particularly grilled meat, is often prepared under unhygienic conditions, making it hazardous to health.
The associate professor of pediatrics highlighted that such meat is frequently exposed to dirt and contaminants due to its preparation and display on the roadside.
As the former director of the Essos Hospital, Prof. Njom Nlend expressed concern that commonly consumed sources of protein, like pork and beef, are not handled with proper hygiene, leading to potential health risks.
She noted that many Cameroonians rely heavily on these sources of protein, unaware of the dangers they pose.
Prof. Njom Nlend specifically warned that roadside grilled meat could increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
She explained that the high temperatures used in grilling meat over embers or barbecues cause the fats in the meat to melt, producing smoke that carbonizes the food.
This process, she stated, leads to the formation of toxic and cancer-causing compounds.
“The incomplete combustion during grilling produces toxic and carcinogenic compounds, such as sodium and potassium carbonate, and silica, which are carried by the smoke and absorbed by the food, ultimately affecting the lungs,” Prof. Njom Nlend tweeted.
The professor of medicine further referenced a recent scientific study conducted by the Natural Science Institute, which found that food prepared over embers contributes to various diseases and is one of the leading causes of cancer worldwide.
