The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and UNICEF have published a nationwide report on heavy metal contamination in selected food and cosmetic products across Ghana’s 16 regions.
The assessment tested for lead, cadmium, and mercury in products such as turmeric, cereal mixes, bentonite clay (ayilor), kohl (Kaji Kaji), and skin-lightening creams and lotions.
Key Findings include:
– Kohl (Kaji Kaji): Recorded the highest lead failure rate at 77.97%, with the Upper East and Eastern regions showing 100% failure.
– Turmeric: Showed a 42.09% lead failure rate, particularly in Greater Accra and Central regions.
– Cereal mixes: Had a 29% cadmium failure rate, affecting the North East, Western North, and Oti regions.
– Bentonite clay (ayilor): Registered a 24.62% lead failure rate, notably in the North East and Greater Accra.
– Skin-lightening creams and lotions: Passed all tests, with no mercury contamination detected.
The FDA noted that “unbranded products from open markets and retail shops were the main sources of contamination,” raising serious public health concerns. However, the authority has rolled out several interventions including stricter oversight and port checks for kohl products. It has also expanded safety checks and recalls for turmeric and cereal mixes. For producers of bentonite clay “ayilor”, it is engaging with producers to adopt safer practices.
Nationwide public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of heavy metal exposure is also underway.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to consumer safety, stating “Consumer wellbeing remains our top priority.”.
