FDA denies Palm oil adulteration rumours

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana (OPDAG) have rejected claims that palm oil in the market has been adulterated with millipedes.

This follows a market survey conducted last year, October 2015, by postgraduate students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in four major markets in the country, which states that some traders of the product soak millipedes overnight in the palm oil in order to give it a reddish colour and enhance the taste.

However, according to Ms. Maria Aba Lovelace-Johnson, Head, Food Safety Management Development of the FDA, research conducted by her outfit indicates that the said findings by the university graduate students cannot be substantiated with facts.

“We have investigated the matter and found out that the alleged research work is not true. We are interested in the safety of the public regrading what they consume; so just as we cautioned the public against the consumption of palm oil when it was adulterated with Sudan IV substance, we would also do the same with the millipede’s allegations if it was true. So we urge the public not to fear consuming the product because it is safe,” she said.

Ms. Lovelace-Johnson further advised researchers to do thorough scrutiny before they bring out sensitive information that is likely to impact negativity on consumer confidence.

Maxwell Commey Nii, Organiser and Public Relations Officer, OPDAG, also questioned the validity of the research and laid out a road map for addressing issues regarding widespread cases of palm oil adulteration in the country.

“The Association has agreed to register and issue authentic tags to palm oil sellers in the market, which consumers should demand and look out for before purchasing palm oil from sellers,” he said

He therefore encouraged palm oil sellers who have not yet registered to do so before the registration exercise ends to avoid sanctioning from the FDA.

One seller of palm oil from Agbobloshie market, who pleaded anonymity, said she suspects sabotage from new entrants who want to penetrate the market; and as such are using this as a strategy to push them out of business so they can establish their presence in the market.

She advised and encouraged her colleagues who are indulging in any illicit act while trading the product to desist, which will help them to enjoy a conducive selling atmosphere and restore consumer confidence in them.