By Simon Agbovi
Kasoa (C/R), Dec 12, GNA — The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has intensified its public education on food safety in markets following recent research into adulterated palm oil on the Ghanaian market.
At the Kasoa New Market, officials took turns to educate traders and consumers on the dangers and risks associated with adulterated products.
Palm oil was the most emphasised product, having been found to be adulterated with Sudan IV dye, with the Kasoa New Market recording the highest cases in the Central Region.
Miss Francisca Abena Asubonteng Anokye, Central Regional Head of FDA, advised consumers to look out for important indicators on packaged and canned foods, such as expiry dates, bloated cans, and rusted cans.
She cautioned against cooking Fante kenkey wrapped in rubber, as this could pose serious health risks to the public.
She also expressed satisfaction with the positive response from traders, noting that the information provided would help improve their trading practices and enhance food safety.
Mrs Maureen Lartey, Director of Food Safety and Consumer Education, stated that samples of palm oil collected across the country indicated that the adulteration was being carried out within the markets.
She added that yeast was being used to mix corn dough in some cases, while other chemicals were being used to preserve salted fish.
She revealed that the FDA would begin prosecuting individuals identified as having engaged in food adulteration.
Mrs Lartey confirmed that the FDA, together with the police, had completed investigations and prepared dockets on 12 individuals to be prosecuted.
“We are almost done with the legal processes, and you will soon hear that people are being prosecuted. We have realised that education alone is not stopping the adulteration, so prosecuting and jailing offenders may serve as a deterrent to others,” she said.
Mrs Lydia Kortor Baffoe, Vice President of the Market Women Association, acknowledged that adulteration, particularly of palm oil, was a major challenge faced by market leaders.
She noted that, in addition to adulteration, the chemicals used in growing vegetables posed another significant health concern that the FDA should address.
“You buy tomatoes or garden eggs freshly packaged on the farm, only for them to start going bad by the time they reach individual homes,” she lamented.
Mrs Lartey urged the FDA to intensify its public education efforts by visiting markets on a quarterly basis rather than annually.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Christian Akorlie