A National Summary Report by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revealed alarming levels of heavy metal contamination in some food and cosmetic products sold on the Ghanaian market. The assessment, conducted across all 16 regions with support from UNICEF, tested for Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Mercury (Hg) in turmeric, cereal mixes (Tom Brown), bentonite clay (“Ayilor”), kohl (“Kaji Kaji”), and certain skin-lightening creams and lotions.
The findings showed that kohl had the highest contamination rate, with 77.79 percent of samples testing positive for lead. The Upper East and Eastern regions recorded a 100 percent contamination rate for the product. Turmeric also recorded a 42.09 percent contamination rate for lead, with the Greater Accra and Central regions topping the list. Cereal mixes were found to contain 29 percent contamination from cadmium, particularly in the Northeast, Western North, and Oti regions, while bentonite clay recorded a 24.62 percent lead contamination rate, mainly in the Northeast and Greater Accra regions.
The report noted that unbranded products, especially those sold in open markets and retail shops, were the main sources of contamination. However, some skin-lightening creams and lotions achieved full compliance in certain regions, with no mercury contamination detected.
Deputy Chief Executive of the FDA’s Food Division, Roderick Kwabena Dadie Agyei, said the authority was tightening oversight, especially on kohl products, while enhancing port surveillance and safety checks.
He disclosed that nationwide recalls had been initiated for contaminated turmeric products, alongside stricter inspection of imports. “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,” Mr. Agyei stated. Health Specialist at UNICEF Ghana, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Kyerematen Amoah, warned that the smallest amount of lead in the body could damage children’s developing organs, reduce IQ, and cause kidney and heart-related diseases.
“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,” he said, urging the development and enforcement of stricter standards for consumer products.
Source: Leticia Osei
