The Foods and Drugs Authority (FDA) has dismissed comments suggesting that its recent alert on adulterated palm oil on some Ghanaian markets will cripple some genuine businesses.
The FDA on Monday revealed that some vendors of palm oil in ten markets in Accra it visited have adulterated their products with a cancerous substance, Sudan IV.
[contextly_sidebar id=”b8tuoDXkK7ngBqMqWY6W4oroRIgW49Se”]A statement released by Policy Think tank, IMANI Ghana which commended the FDA for the efforts however described the alert as ‘sweeping and panicky.’
IMANI’s founding President, Franklin Cudjoe expressed worry that statement can threaten the success of the country’s palm oil businesses.
But speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the FDA, James Lartey disagreed with IMANI’s assertion.
“We indicated clearly that this is seen only within Greater Accra and even only ten markets. We also indicated that we will be launching a similar campaign in other regions so I do not understand why they claim we have generalized it…there is every possibility that whatever is happening in Accra is likely to be happening in other parts of the country,”Mr. Lartey said.
The FDA has so far arrested 22 traders. Mr. Lartey assured that they will be handed over to the police to be prosecuted,
“Today, an exercise will go on to make more arrests and they will be later handed over to the police. The police will pick it up from there. We are to ensure that people are patriotic to the nation,” he added.
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By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citifmonline.com/Ghana