Ghana records sharp decline in palm oil adulteration — FDA reports significant gains in 2023 monitoring exercise

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has announced a major breakthrough in its nationwide efforts to combat the adulteration of palm oil with harmful Sudan dyes, reporting a remarkable drop in contamination cases across Ghana in 2023.

A comprehensive sampling and testing exercise conducted in October 2023 revealed that 93.03% of palm oil samples were free from Sudan dyes I, II, III, and IV—chemicals banned in food due to their carcinogenic properties.

The findings mark a substantial improvement from the previous year, where over a quarter of all samples failed safety tests.

The FDA’s Center for Laboratory Services and Research (CLSR) tested 444 samples collected from 114 sites across all sixteen regions.

These included 34 manufacturing sites and 80 markets, with a specific focus on five major palm oil-producing regions: Eastern, Ashanti, Western, Ahafo, and Western-North.

According to the report, 81.58% of the sampled sites passed the test, and 97.06% of manufacturing facilities were found to be compliant.

Notably, half of the regions—including Western, Ahafo, Bono East, Oti, Savannah, North East, Upper East, and Upper West—recorded zero cases of adulteration, a striking improvement from 2022 when 83% of regions were implicated.

Strategic Interventions Paying Off

FDA officials attribute the positive trend to a series of targeted regulatory actions.

These include intensive training programs for stakeholders in the palm oil value chain, conducted in partnership with the Artisanal Palm Oil Millers Association of Ghana (APOMAG).

The introduction of a digital traceability system has also enhanced surveillance by enabling real-time tracking of palm oil movement from production to sale.

In addition, the FDA has stepped up enforcement, identifying and sanctioning individuals involved in adulteration activities.

These measures have proven effective in curbing unsafe practices and ensuring consumer protection.

Appreciation and Stern Warning

The FDA expressed gratitude to key collaborators, including Market Queens, Environmental Health Officers (EHOs), and other partners, for their continued support in the fight against food adulteration.

The Authority, however, cautioned traders and producers against the use of Sudan dyes or any other prohibited substances, warning that those found culpable will face strict regulatory sanctions.

“This progress is encouraging, but our work is not yet done,” an FDA spokesperson stated.

“We urge all actors in the food chain to remain vigilant and compliant, as the safety of the public remains our top priority.”

The FDA says it will continue to monitor the market and intensify its public education campaigns to sustain the gains made in ensuring food safety nationwide.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith