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Introduction
For many Ghanaians, brukina is more than just a refreshing traditional drink; it is a popular street beverage enjoyed daily across the country. But in recent days, the fermented millet-and-milk drink has become the centre of intense debate on social media after viral posts claimed it causes stomach cancer.
The claim, amplified by influential social media accounts including “We Love Ghana,” sparked widespread concern after citing research linked to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. With thousands of shares, reposts, and reactions across X and Facebook, many consumers began questioning whether the beloved beverage is truly safe to drink. The viral claim has also been attributed to Adom FM’s Nana F. Ziega.
But what do the scientific studies actually say? Does brukina really cause stomach cancer? Are there any health concerns consumers should be worried about, or are the findings being misunderstood? DUBAWA reviewed available research, spoke to experts, and examined the evidence behind the viral claim.
What researchers actually found
Since the user cited research conducted by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research at the University of Ghana, DUBAWA reviewed the available research to determine whether brukina causes stomach cancer.
DUBAWA found two peer-reviewed studies on brukina, both of which raised concerns about aflatoxin contamination in some samples.
Research by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research
The first study, published by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research at the University of Ghana, published in the Ghana Medical Journal in 2022, examined the presence of aflatoxins within brukina. Researchers analysed samples from Ashaiman and Nima, finding that contamination levels often exceed international safety standards, particularly during the rainy season, when high humidity favours fungal growth.
While the millet contributed significant amounts of total aflatoxin, the milk samples frequently contained high levels of aflatoxin M1, a metabolite that poses specific risks to infants and children. The findings highlight a serious public health concern, as chronic exposure to these toxins is linked to liver cancer and stunted growth.
Research by Nii Korley Kortei
A separate study was published in Nature Research’s Scientific Reports by Nii Korley Kortei of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, together with other researchers.
The study, titled “Aflatoxin M1 exposure in a fermented millet-based milk beverage ‘brukina’ and its cancer risk characterisation in Greater Accra, Ghana,” tested 150 brukina samples from five locations in Greater Accra in areas such as Kasoa, Nima, Madina, Ashaiman, and Dodowa.
The researchers found that 53% (80 out of 150) of the samples tested positive for Aflatoxin M1. According to the study, the amount of aflatoxin detected in some samples exceeded what scientists consider safe for consumption, suggesting possible adverse health effects from regular consumption over time.
Does brukina cause stomach cancer?
No. None of the studies reviewed by DUBAWA concluded that brukina causes stomach cancer. The harmful substances identified in some samples were aflatoxins.
While aflatoxins are among the most potent cancer-causing substances known to science, they are not considered a primary cause of stomach (gastric) cancer.
Instead, their devastating effects are targeted elsewhere in the body. According to the World Health Organization, aflatoxins are primarily linked to liver cancer, particularly among people living with hepatitis B.
What are aflatoxins?
According to the World Health Organization, aflatoxins are toxic substances produced by certain moulds that grow on food and are among the most powerful cancer-causing agents known to science. They are mainly linked to liver cancer, especially in people with hepatitis B. Aflatoxins are commonly found in cereals, peanuts, tree nuts, and dried foods.
Why contamination happens
Researchers and health experts say contamination often results from poor storage conditions, contaminated millet or milk, unhygienic preparation methods, improper fermentation, and inadequate food safety monitoring.
DUBAWA also contacted a medical practitioner, Prince Kwao, for further clarification. He acknowledged the findings of the research institutions but noted that there are no studies conclusively proving that brukina causes cancer. He explained that the harmful substances identified in some samples are usually linked to poor hygiene practices during preparation, contaminated ingredients, and improper storage conditions.
He added that the health concern is linked to contamination, not brukina itself as a beverage. He therefore urged brukina producers and sellers to adopt improved storage practices and maintain high hygiene standards to prevent contamination.
So, is Brukina safe?
Brukina is not officially classified as a stomach cancer-causing drink. The available research suggests that while some samples sold in Ghana contained harmful aflatoxin levels, many others did not. Researchers are therefore calling for better hygiene practices, improved storage methods, stronger food safety monitoring, and public education on contamination risks.
Conclusion
The underlying health concern is legitimate. However, credible Ghanaian research institutions have found that some brukina samples contain aflatoxins at levels that may pose health risks with continuous consumption. However, not all brukina samples are contaminated. The researchers recommend improved storage practices, better hygiene standards, and stronger monitoring of informally vended dairy-millet products to reduce contamination risks.
