FDA research finds dangerous chemicals in Tom Brown, Turmeric, Kohl, others

A new national report from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has uncovered disturbing levels of heavy metal contamination in popular food and cosmetic items available in Ghanaian markets.

According to a citinewsroom.com report published on Friday, September 26, 2025, the assessment, supported by UNICEF and conducted across all 16 regions of the country, focused on detecting lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) in commonly used products such as turmeric, cereal mixes (commonly known as Tom Brown), bentonite clay ("Ayilor"), traditional eyeliner kohl ("Kaji Kaji"), and various skin-lightening creams and lotions.

Among the tested items, kohl emerged as the most contaminated, with 77.79% of samples showing positive for lead.

Alarmingly, 100% of samples from the Upper East and Eastern regions were affected, highlighting a regional hotspot for this traditional cosmetic.

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Turmeric followed closely with a 42.09% contamination rate for lead, particularly in the Greater Accra and Central regions, where the spice which is widely used in cooking and traditional medicine, poses a significant risk to consumers.

Cereal mixes like Tom Brown, a staple for weaning babies and young children, recorded 29% contamination from cadmium, with the highest incidences in the Northeast, Western North, and Oti regions.

Bentonite clay, often marketed for skin and digestive health, showed 24.62% lead contamination, mainly in the Northeast and Greater Accra areas.

The report attributes much of the contamination to unbranded products sold in open markets and small retail outlets, which often lack proper packaging and traceability.

In a positive note, some skin-lightening creams and lotions fully complied with safety standards in tested regions, showing no mercury presence.

Speaking to the media, Deputy Chief Executive of the FDA’s Food Division, Roderick Kwabena Dadzie Agyei, announced immediate regulatory actions.

"We are tightening oversight, especially on kohl products, while enhancing port surveillance and safety checks," he said.

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He revealed that nationwide recalls have been launched for contaminated turmeric batches, coupled with more rigorous inspections of imported goods.

Agyei Dadzie emphasised the need for better supply chain management, linking the issue to illegal small-scale mining, also known as "galamsey."

"The FDA believes issues of traceability must be taken seriously. We must know if these foodstuffs are coming from ‘galamsey’ areas so that we can stop the supply. The heavy metals are causing birth defects and serious health challenges. We need to stop ‘galamsey’ and change our agricultural practices," he stated.

Health experts echoed the urgency of the findings. Reverend Dr Emmanuel Kyerematen Amoah, Health Specialist at UNICEF Ghana, warned of the irreversible damage from even minimal lead exposure, particularly to children.

"The smallest amount of lead in the body could damage children’s developing organs, reduce IQ, and cause kidney and heart-related diseases," he cautioned.

"This report is not the end; it is a call to decisive action. We owe it to our children, our families, and the generations yet unborn to make this country safe from the devastating effects of lead," Dr Amoah added.

He called for stricter standards and enforcement in consumer product manufacturing.

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