The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana has issued a statement clarifying the permitted use of Red Dye-3, also known as erythrosine (E127), in food products within the country. This clarification comes in response to a media report highlighting a Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) research study that allegedly found banned substances, including Red Dye-3, in tomato paste products in Ghana. The FDA emphasizes that the use of Red Dye-3 is governed by the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA 2024), which aligns with Codex Stan 192-1995 (revised in 2024) and is approved by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. While Red Dye-3 is not permitted in tomato products like paste and mix, its limited use is allowed in other food categories, such as candies, baked goods, frozen desserts, frostings, and certain beverages.
The FDA acknowledges the KNUST research but points out that while the study was conducted in 2018, its publication on the university’s website occurred in 2024. By that time, the FDA had already investigated the implicated brands and taken appropriate regulatory actions, including the disposal of affected products and the imposition of administrative fines. The FDA further clarifies that the research mistakenly analyzed “Tomato Mix” samples as “Tomato Paste,” leading to misinterpretations. Tomato Mix and Tomato Paste are distinct products with different compositional requirements, and Tomato Mix is historically more prone to the addition of certain additives, including synthetic colors, which are not permitted in Tomato Paste.
The FDA underscores the significant increase in the number of registered tomato mix and tomato paste products since 2018, attributing this growth to stricter regulatory oversight and market demand. Currently, 62 tomato mix products and 40 tomato paste products are registered, all complying with Ghana’s standards after rigorous evaluation and testing. These standards dictate specific composition requirements: Tomato Paste must contain a minimum of 24% tomato concentrate, while Tomato Mix must contain a minimum of 7% tomato concentrate along with other allowed ingredients like tomato powder, water, salt, starch, dietary fiber, and optional components such as sugars, flavors, natural colors, spices, vitamins, and minerals. Importantly, while natural colors are permitted in Tomato Mix, erythrosine (Red Dye-3) is explicitly prohibited in both Tomato Paste and Tomato Mix.
To empower consumers to make informed choices, the FDA implemented labeling guidelines in 2018. These guidelines mandate clear labeling distinguishing between “Paste” and “Mix,” along with a comprehensive list of all ingredients used in the product. This transparency allows consumers to easily identify the product type and its composition, facilitating informed purchasing decisions based on their preferences and dietary needs. The FDA actively enforces these regulations, underscoring its commitment to consumer protection and food safety.
The FDA also highlights its commitment to robust regulatory measures governing the importation, manufacturing, and sale of tomato products. This involves a comprehensive pre-market evaluation and registration process, including mandatory laboratory testing and approval for all tomato products before they enter the market. This rigorous process aims to safeguard public health by ensuring that all products meet established safety and quality standards. The FDA assures the public that it will continue to rigorously monitor these products for any potential adulteration, thereby maintaining the integrity of the food supply.
Furthermore, the FDA emphasizes its commitment to collaboration and encourages a proactive relationship with academic institutions and research bodies. The statement urges researchers to engage with the FDA when conducting studies with regulatory implications, fostering transparency and ensuring that research findings are interpreted accurately within the context of existing regulations and food safety standards. This cooperative approach will facilitate more effective communication and prevent potential misunderstandings or misinterpretations of research results, ultimately benefiting both the scientific community and the public. The FDA reaffirms its dedication to protecting public health and maintaining the highest standards of food safety in Ghana.
