Palm oil sellers in Koforidua in the Eastern Region are calling on the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to extend its market surveillance to target production centers following the arrest of seven women suspected of selling adulterated palm oil.
The Plam Oil sellers in Koforidua market argue that they are only retailers who purchase the product from producers across parts of the region and lack the technical expertise to detect contamination.
Their call comes after a joint operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Food and Drugs Authority led to the arrest of seven women believed to be part of a network distributing adulterated palm oil in the Koforidua market.
The operation was triggered by laboratory confirmation that samples of palm oil earlier confiscated during routine market surveillance contained Sudan IV dye, a harmful industrial chemical not permitted in food.
According to the FDA, five suspects were initially arrested but denied knowledge of the adulteration, insisting they sourced their products from suppliers, particularly from Akyem Maase
This led to an intelligence-led operation to track down the supply chain.
The latest suspects were arrested upon arrival in Koforidua while allegedly attempting to supply suspected adulterated palm oil to the market.
Meanwhile, some palm oil sellers, including Queenmother Martha, say the development is negatively affecting their business and reputation, despite their claims of innocence.
They are therefore urging authorities to target producers and manufacturers responsible for the adulteration.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
