Authorities in Douala, Cameroon, have uncovered an illegal factory in the Ndogssimbi neighborhood producing fake palm wine under shockingly unhygienic conditions.
Unlike authentic palm wine tapped directly from palm trees, the counterfeit brew was reportedly made by fermenting cassava in water, then mixing in large amounts of sugar and saccharin to mimic the taste. Disturbingly, photos shared online revealed cockroaches crawling on and floating inside the fermenting containers, highlighting the filthy state of the operation.
A social media user who exposed the scheme warned:
“Artificial palm wine made in Douala with fermented water from soaked cassava, saccharin, sugar, and some cockroaches… Be careful what you drink out there.”
Severe Health Risks
Health experts caution that consuming such concoctions poses serious dangers, including:
- Toxic Fermentation: Improper cassava fermentation can release cyanide-based compounds.
- Unsafe Additives: Excess saccharin use in alcohol is hazardous.
- Bacterial Contamination: Cockroaches can spread pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli.
- Unknown Contaminants: The unsanitary environment makes the risk of poisoning extremely high.
Authorities are expected to seal the site and prosecute those involved under Cameroonian laws against food adulteration. The bust serves as a stark warning for consumers to remain vigilant about where their drinks are sourced, particularly from informal vendors.
