<<Print>>

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Thursday said its attention had been drawn to a notice cautioning the residents and businesses in the UK about a contaminated Palm Oil on sale from Ghana. The FDA in a statement signed by Mr John Odame-Darkwah, Deputy Chief Executive (Food Safety Division) to the GNA said �the Tower Hamlets Council of the UK is advising residents and businesses in the UK to be wary of a contaminated Palm Oil on sale in the Borough purported to come from Ghana and bearing the brand name Fovitor Dzomi Palm Oil which expires on 31st October 2016." The said palm oil retailed by Fovitor International Limited in the UK was reported to contain Sudan IV dye, a colouring agent which is carcinogenic and not permitted in food. Investigations carried out by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) indicate that Fovitor Dzomi Palm Oil was produced, packed and supplied by Miva Lifeline Limited To Fovitor International Limited In The UK. The investigations further revealed that Miva Lifeline Limited has never applied to the FDA for an export permit for Fovitor Dzomi Palm Oil and has also never been issued with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) by the FDA on Sudan Dye status for FOVITOR DZOMI PALM OIL as required by the European Council (EC). �Our records however, indicate that the only time Miva Lifeline limited was issued with a permit and a CoA on Sudan Dye Status was in 2010 and it was for Miva Lifeline Pure Dzomi." The FDA said any export of a consignment of Palm Oil without a Permit and a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) indicating the Sudan Dye status issued only by the FDA and no other state institution is a violation of the National Export Protocol for Palm Oil agreed between Ghana and the European Union dating back to 2006. The FDA said it would continue its investigations and also work closely with other state agencies to ensure strict adherence to this protocol. FDA advised prospective exporters of palm oil to address their concerns to any of its regional offices. Additionally, the guidelines for export of palm oil and its requirements as prescribed by the EU have always been on the website of the FDA (www.fdaghana.gov.gh). According to Miva Lifeline Limited, the local supplier, the Fovitor Dzomi Palm Oil is for export only. However, the FDA is cautioning any distributor, shop or retail outlet displaying Fovitor Dzomi Palm Oil in Ghana to remove the product from sale and inform the FDA on 0244337235. The FDA has also mounted an intensive market surveillance to remove any such product, if any is in circulation in Ghana. The FDA once again will like to assure the general public of its resolve to protect public health and safety.