The safety and quality of tomato paste, a staple in Ghanaian cuisine, has come under scrutiny following a study conducted by food research scientists at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The research, published in the International Journal of Food Science, revealed the presence of banned substances and non-compliant compositional levels in several tomato paste brands sold on the Ghanaian market. The study raises serious concerns about consumer safety and highlights the need for stricter regulatory oversight.
The research team focused on eight commercially available tomato paste brands in Accra and Kumasi, all of which met standard labeling requirements and exhibited the expected physical characteristics like color, texture, and taste. However, deeper analysis revealed significant discrepancies in composition. A key finding was the detection of erythrosine, also known as Red Dye No. 3, in two of the sampled brands. This artificial colorant, although permitted in some food products, is explicitly banned by the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for use in tomato paste due to potential health risks. Furthermore, starch, another prohibited ingredient in tomato paste formulations, was detected across all samples, with levels ranging from 1g/100g to a concerning 24g/100g. These findings raise red flags about manufacturing practices and potential consumer exposure to harmful substances.
The study also brought to light inconsistencies in the natural tomato content of the sampled brands. While the standard requirement stipulates a minimum of 24% natural tomato content, some brands fell short of this benchmark. This indicates potential adulteration and misrepresentation of the product, impacting not only nutritional value but also consumer trust. The presence of starch, often used as a cheap filler, further reinforces this concern, suggesting that manufacturers might be compromising quality to cut costs.
The detection of erythrosine is particularly alarming given its recent ban by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) due to potential health risks. This international regulatory action underscores the seriousness of the KNUST findings and calls for swift intervention by the Ghanaian authorities. Dr. Abena Boakye, the lead researcher, urges the Ghana FDA to expand its regulatory scope beyond tomato products to encompass all food categories containing erythrosine, including confectioneries, candies, and beverages. This comprehensive approach is crucial to effectively protect consumers from potential harm.
The study’s findings have significant implications for food safety regulations and public health in Ghana. The researchers advocate for increased surveillance and stricter enforcement of existing regulations to ensure manufacturers adhere to quality standards. They also emphasize the importance of continued research to further investigate the long-term health effects of consuming adulterated food products. This will provide policymakers with the necessary evidence to implement robust measures that protect consumers from potential health risks associated with food additives and substandard ingredients.
The KNUST research underscores the critical role of independent scientific studies in safeguarding public health. By shedding light on potentially harmful practices within the food industry, this study empowers consumers and provides valuable information for regulatory bodies. The findings call for a collaborative approach involving researchers, policymakers, and the food industry to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food products for all Ghanaians. The ultimate goal is to foster a robust food safety ecosystem that prioritizes consumer well-being and upholds the highest standards of quality and integrity.
