FDA warns consumers over adulterated palm oil

Accra, Ghana - The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a stern warning to consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing palm oil, due to ongoing concerns about adulteration with hazardous substances, including the carcinogenic 'Sudan Four' dye.

The FDA's caution comes amid continued efforts to combat the presence of harmful substances in palm oil products on the market.

Despite rigorous enforcement actions, the Authority's Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roderick Daddey-Adjei, expressed deep concern over the persistence of adulteration, emphasizing that even a small percentage of contamination poses a serious health risk to consumers.

“But we are still not happy about that small percentage that is there, which means that people who perpetrated the activity are still lurking in the dark. And we also want to also let those who think that they can come back and keep on doing this, that their days are numbered. Because already with this one that we even did, we did some arrests, we have handed them over to the police,'' he said.

The FDA has made progress in reducing the prevalence of adulterated palm oil, but the issue remains a major concern.

Consumers are advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious products to the FDA.

The presence of 'Sudan Four' dye, an industrial dye banned for use in food products due to its carcinogenic properties, has been detected in some palm oil products. The FDA urges consumers to prioritize their health and safety by being cautious when purchasing palm oil.

Source : Lead News Online