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FDA exposes fake 'tomato powder' on the market

Additionally, the production, storage and marketing of the products are often carried out under unhygienic conditions and could pose potential public health risk to consumers.

 

Investigations conducted by the FDA on the so called ‘tomato powder’ revealed that there is no tomato present in the substance, rather the substance contains Annatto Seed (Bixa orellana) and a cocktail of milled residues of various products such as Corn and Konkonte. The Annatto Seed is said to provide the reddish colour to the product.

The investigation also  revealed that the ‘tomato powder’ is extensively used as substitute for fresh tomatoes and tomato paste with the intention of making the prepared food appear reddish and attractive.

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The FDA in the last three months has embarked on extensive public education to sensitize the general public on the need to desist from the patronage of the supposed ‘tomato powder’.  In the light of this, the authority arrested a producer/wholesaler/distributor of the product on the 16 August 2016  with the assistance of the Ghana Police. She is currently assisting the Police in their investigations.

The FDA is assuring the general public of its continuous resolve to protect public health and safety. Consequently, the FDA is appealing to the general public to give information on any practice which has the potential of endangering public health and safety, through any of the following contacts; 0244337235, 0244337243, 0544341221 or on the toll free line 0800151000 (free only on Airtel and Vodafone) and short code 4015 on (all network with the exception of Glo).

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