By King Amoah
In monitoring an Accra- based Top Radio located at Kokomlemle, evening news bulletin on Friday August 30, Mr. Rodic Adjei, the Deputy Director of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), expressed grave concerns over the alarming rise in the use of illegal Sudan Dye 4 (commonly known as Suede) chemicals in edible oils.
This hazardous practice does not only violates food safety regulations but also poses serious health risks to the unsuspecting consumers in the society.
Sudan Dye 4 is a synthetic dye frequently used in industrial applications, particularly in textiles, but its use in food products is strictly prohibited due to its carcinogenic properties.
Mr Adjei related that the FDA has identified a disturbing trend where unscrupulous traders are illicitly adding this harmful dye to cooking oils to enhance their appearance, thus misleading consumers about the safety and quality of these products.
Mr. Adjei emphasized the FDA’s commitment to safeguarding public health through rigorous monitoring and enforcement measures.
“We cannot afford to allow traders to jeopardize the health of our citizens for profit.
He said the FDA is adopting a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of food adulteration, and we are using all available resources to identify and punish those who engage in this dangerous practice.
According to him FDA has initiated a series of inspections and testing protocols to detect the presence of Sudan Dye 4 in edible oils across the country.
This proactive approach aims not only to protect consumers but also to foster a culture of compliance among food manufacturers and distributors.
Mr. Adjei noted that the authority is working in close collaboration with the law enforcement agencies to ensure that violators face the full brunt of the law.
In addition to enforcement, the FDA is also prioritizing public education about the dangers of consuming adulterated products.
They are launching awareness campaigns to inform citizens about how to identify unsafe oils and what steps to take if they suspect they have purchased tainted products.
“We urge consumers to be vigilant and report any suspicious products to the FDA, since together, we can combat this menace and ensure that our food supply remains safe,” Mr. Adjei remarked.
