ACCRA, February 28, 2025 - The Food and Drugs

Authority (FDA) has noted the article published on the

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology’s

(KNUST) website, titled “Banned Substances Found in

Tomato Paste in Ghana,” which was subsequently

reported by MyJoyOnline.com, CitiNewsroom.com, GNA

and other news outlets.

Regulatory Actions Taken

In 2015, the Authority played a key role in ensuring that

the Red Dye 3 (E127- synthetic color) was banned in

tomato products in Ghana.

Although the research was conducted in 2018, it was

published on the KNUST website in 2024, by which time

the FDA had long investigated the implicated brands and

taken necessary regulatory actions to ensure compliance.

These include:

(i) Safe disposal of the implicated brands and bulk

products from manufacturing premises;

(ii) Safe disposal of food colours found at manufacturing

premises;

(iii) Application of administrative fines.

It is important to clarify that in Ghana, the use of Red

Dye 3 or erythrosine (E127) in foods is guided by the

General Standard for Food Additive (GSFA

2024)/Codex Stan 192-1995 revised 2024 which is

approved by the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on

Food Additive (JECFA). The Authority has since been

monitoring these products for possible adulteration.

It is noteworthy to state that the research took samples

of Tomato Mix and analysed them as Tomato Paste,

leading to misinterpretations.

Tomato Mix products have historically been more

susceptible to the addition of synthetic colors, dietary

fiber, and sugar - additives that are not permitted in

tomato paste

Regulatory Landscape

In 2018, the FDA registered only three (3) Tomato Mix

products and ten (10) Tomato Paste products. Currently,

there are sixty-two (62) registered tomato mix products

and forty (40) registered tomato paste products.

All these products comply with Ghana’s standards and

undergo rigorous evaluation and testing before

approval.

Distinguishing Tomato Paste from Tomato Mix

Tomato PASTE and Tomato MIX are two distinct

products: both are legally recognized but differ

significantly in composition:

concentrate with or without salt as per the Ghana

Standard GS 246:2019.

concentrate, tomato powder, water, salt, starch, dietary

fiber, and optional ingredients such as sugars, flavors,

NATURAL COLOURS, spices, vitamins, or minerals as

per the Ghana Standard GS 1203:2018. Natural colors are

permitted in tomato mix.

ERYTHROSINE IS NOT ALLOWED in tomato products.

However, it is allowed by the GSFA for use in small

quantities in candies, baked goods (cookies & cakes),

frozen desserts, frostings, and beverages.

Current Labelling Requirements

For the consumer to make a more informed choice, the

FDA introduced labeling guidelines (FDA/RQT/FOR-08)

in 2018

(https://fdaghana.gov.gh/wp-content/uploads/2025/0

2/GUIDELINES-FOR-THE-LABELLING-OF-TOMATO-MI

X.pdf).

(whether Paste or Mix)

the label

Ensuring Food Safety Compliance

The FDA enforces strict regulatory measures on the

importation, manufacture, and sale of tomato products

through:

1. Pre-market Evaluation and Registration – All tomato

products undergo laboratory testing and approval

before being introduced to the market.

2. Routine Market Surveillance – The FDA conducts

periodic inspections and spot checks to ensure

continued compliance with safety standards.

3. Collaboration with Accredited Laboratories – The FDA

partners with both local and international laboratories

for comprehensive chemical and microbiological testing

of food products.

Conclusion

While public awareness of research findings is essential,

the FDA encourages timely collaboration between its

Research and Nutrition Department and researchers to

ensure that safety concerns are addressed

appropriately. The FDA remains committed to

protecting public health and urges academic institutions

to engage with the Authority when conducting research

that has regulatory implications.

Through continued stakeholder engagement and public

education, the FDA will uphold its mission of ensuring

food safety and maintaining consumer confidence in

food products on our market.

.

For all inquiries and concerns, please reach out to us

through the contacts below.

www.fdaghana.gov.gh

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PRESS RELEASE

Signed

Chief Executive Officer

Food and Drugs Authority