Polythene bags are a common type of plastic packaging material that is used for a wide range of purposes, including carrying groceries, packing food items, and storing various household items. While polythene bags can be useful in certain situations, they are not suitable for wrapping banku, a popular Ghanaian dish made from fermented corn and cassava dough.
One of the main reasons why polythene bags are not suitable for wrapping banku is that they are not heat resistant. Banku is usually served hot and is traditionally wrapped in plantain or banana leaves, which can withstand the high temperature of the food. In contrast, polythene bags are not designed to withstand heat and can melt or release harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures, which can contaminate the food and cause health problems.
Another reason why polythene bags are not suitable for wrapping banku is that they are not biodegradable. Unlike plantain or banana leaves, which can decompose naturally and do not harm the environment, polythene bags are made from non-renewable resources and can take hundreds of years to degrade. This means that when polythene bags are discarded improperly, they can accumulate in the environment and cause pollution, which can harm wildlife and damage ecosystems.
In conclusion, while polythene bags may be convenient and useful for certain purposes, they are not suitable for wrapping banku or any other hot food. It is important to use biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials, such as plantain or banana leaves, to wrap food items to ensure that they are safe to eat and do not harm the environment.