The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring food safety in Ghana following a recent research publication on the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) website titled “Banned Substances Found in Tomato Paste in Ghana.”
The study, originally conducted in 2018, was widely circulated by various media outlets, raising public concerns about the safety of tomato products in the country.
Dr. Delese A. A. Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the FDA, clarified that the Authority has long been aware of the research findings and had taken necessary regulatory actions before the study was published in 2024.
“In 2015, the FDA played a pivotal role in banning the use of Red Dye 3 (E127), also known as erythrosine, in tomato products in Ghana. By 2018, we had developed a robust testing method to detect synthetic food colors, including erythrosine, in tomato paste and other food items,” she stated.
Dr. Darko emphasized that upon identifying the implicated brands in 2018, the FDA swiftly took regulatory actions, including:
1. Safe disposal of contaminated tomato paste and bulk products from manufacturing facilities.
2. Removal of unauthorized food colors from production premises.
3. Imposition of administrative fines on non-compliant manufacturers.
She assured the public that the FDA continuously monitors these products to ensure compliance with the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA 2024)/Codex Stan 192-1995, revised in 2024, which is approved by the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
The FDA noted that the research misinterpreted Tomato Mix as Tomato Paste, which led to undue concerns.
"Tomato Mix is more susceptible to the addition of synthetic colors, dietary fiber, and sugar, additives that are not permitted in tomato paste,” Dr. Darko explained.
According to Ghanaian standards: Tomato Paste (GS 246:2019) must contain a minimum of 24% tomato concentrate, with or without salt.
Tomato Mix (GS 1203:2018) must contain at least 7% tomato concentrate, tomato powder, water, salt, starch, dietary fiber, and permitted natural colors, flavors, spices, and vitamins.
“Erythrosine is not allowed in any tomato product, but it is permitted in small quantities in candies, baked goods, frozen desserts, frostings, and beverages under GSFA regulations,” she emphasized.
To protect consumers, the FDA has implemented stringent regulations, including:
Pre-market Evaluation & Registration – All tomato products undergo rigorous laboratory testing before market approval.
Routine Market Surveillance – Periodic inspections and spot checks are conducted to ensure ongoing compliance.
Collaboration with Accredited Laboratories – The FDA works with local and international labs for comprehensive chemical and microbiological testing.
Dr. Darko encouraged academic institutions to collaborate with the FDA when conducting research with regulatory implications to avoid misinterpretations that may cause unnecessary public alarm.
“Public awareness of research findings is crucial, but engagement with the FDA ensures that safety concerns are addressed appropriately,” she advised.
The FDA remains committed to upholding food safety standards and maintaining consumer confidence in food products available in Ghana.
Through continued stakeholder engagement and public education, the Authority assures Ghanaians of its dedication to protecting public health.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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