FDA Ghana Cracks Down on Adulterated Palm Oil

Story by Fada Amakye

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Ghana has launched a nationwide crackdown on palm oil adulteration, with several arrests made in major markets across the country. According to Kenneth Kwame Amanfo, Regulatory Officer at FDA, the authority has been conducting research to determine the compliance level of palm oil producers and traders, as well as the presence of Sudan dye in palm oil.

The research, which involved sampling palm oil products along the value chain, revealed that while production facilities have largely complied with regulations, with a failure rate of 4% in 2024 compared to 1% in 2023, the market level has seen a significant increase in adulteration, with a failure rate of 28% in 2024 up from 8% in 2023.

Amanfo warned that the FDA will prosecute those found guilty of adulterating palm oil, emphasizing that it is equivalent to a criminal offense. He encouraged palm oil traders to keep traceability records to identify the source of adulteration and exonerate themselves in case of implication.

The FDA has collaborated with environmental health officers, market queens, palm oil leaders, and the police to intensify efforts to combat palm oil adulteration. The authority has also established a docket and is preparing cases against suspects for prosecution in court.

The FDA’s efforts aim to protect public health and safety, and the authority has urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the quality and safety of palm oil products in Ghana.