FDA investigates cancer causing agent in Fovitor Dzomi

The Food and Drugs Authority, (FDA) has begun investigations into an alert by the Tower Hamlets Council of the United Kingdom that palm oil purported to have been exported from Ghana to that country contains cancer causing agent - Sudan IV Dye.

It follows an alert by the Tower Hamlets Council of the United Kingdom that the palm oil under the brand name; Fovitor Dzomi is dangerous and must not be consumed by its citizens.

Details of the statement by the FDA:

12th June 2015

PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT

It has come to the notice of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) that the Tower Hamlets Council of the UK is advising residents and businesses in the UK to be wary of a contaminated Palm Oil on sale in the Borough purported to come from Ghana and bearing the brand name FOVITOR DZOMI PALM OIL which expires on 31st October, 2016.

The said palm oil retailed by FOVITOR INTERNATIONAL LIMITED in the UK is reported to contain Sudan IV dye, a colouring agent which is carcinogenic and not permitted in food.

Investigations carried out by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) indicate that Fovitor Dzomi Palm Oil was produced, packed and supplied byMIVA LIFELINE LIMITED to FORVITOR INTERNATIONAL LIMITED in the UK.

The investigations further revealed that MIVA LIFELINE LIMITED has never applied to the FDA for an export permit for FOVITOR DZOMI PALM OIL and has also never been issued with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) by the FDA on Sudan Dye status for FOVITOR DZOMI PALM OIL as required by the European Council (EC).

Our records however, indicate that the only time MIVA LIFELINE LIMITED has been issued with a permit and a CoA on Sudan Dye Status was in 2010 and it was for MIVA LIFELINE PURE DZOMI

The FDA wishes to indicate that any export of a consignment of Palm Oil without a Permit and a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) indicating the Sudan Dye status issued only by the FDA and no other state institution is a violation of the National Export Protocol for Palm Oil agreed between Ghana and the European Union dating back to 2006.

The FDA will continue with its investigations and also continue to work closely with other state agencies to ensure strict adherence to this protocol. FDA further wishes to advise all prospective exporters of palm oil to address all their concerns to any of its regional offices in all the regional capitals in Ghana. Additionally, the guidelines for export of palm oil and its requirements as prescribed by the EU has always been on the website of the FDA (www.fdaghana.gov.gh).

According to Miva Lifeline Limited, the local supplier, the Fovitor Dzomi Palm Oil is for export only. However, the FDA is cautioning any distributor, shop or retail outlet displaying Forvitor Dzomi Palm Oil in Ghana to remove the product from sale and inform the FDA on 0244337235. The FDA has also mounted an intensive market surveillance to remove any such product, if any is in circulation in Ghana.

The FDA once again will like to assure the general public of its resolve to protect public health and safety.

Food and Drugs Authority - Working for your Health and Safety.

JOHN ODAME-DARKWAH

DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE (FOOD SAFTEY DIVISION)