Palm oil exporters warned

Accra, Aug. 24, GNA - The Foods and Drugs Board on Tuesday warned exporters of palm oil to desist from mixing it with chemicals injurious to health if they were to stay in business and protect the image of the country.

Mr Ben Botwe, Deputy Chief Executive of the Board, said investigations were going on as to how various types of palm oils exported from Ghana to European Union markets were detained for destruction because they were found to be adulterated with "Sudan four dye", noted for causing problems to foetus and cancer in the human body. Announcing this at a workshop organised for warehouse operators on good food warehouse and cold store practices, Mr Botwe said they had a report from the European Mission in Ghana to that effect.

The FDB has the lists of all brands that were affected and "investigations are ongoing to find out the people who are behind the act".

About 50 participants are attending the two-day workshop aimed at equipping them with skills to implement good warehouse and storage practices.

Mr Botwe said apart from the health implications of the substance it had a negative impact on the country's non-traditional export business.

"The Sudan four dye is banned worldwide and we are taking various steps to do a full screening which would lead to the exposure of the culprits."

Mr Botwe also said the FDB was collaborating with agencies to ensure that palm oil "exported from Ghana are devoid of substance matters.

"It is good to make money in order to stay in business but it's still better to protect the image of the country abroad and the health of the consumers as well," he said.