Researchers Detect Banned Harmful Substance in Some Tomato Pastes Sold in Ghana
Food research scientists from the Department of Food Science and Technology at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have discovered a banned harmful substance in certain tomato paste brands sold on the Ghanaian market.
The substance, Erythrosine, also known as Red Dye No. 3, is a synthetic food colorant commonly used in candies, toffees, and drinks. Although the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) prohibits its use in tomato paste due to potential health risks, the study revealed its presence in some brands.
The research, conducted in Kumasi and Accra, examined eight different brands of tomato paste that met standard labelling requirements. While the physical characteristics—such as color (ranging from red to dark red) and paste-like texture—matched general standards, further analysis revealed concerning irregularities:
1. Presence of Erythrosine (Red Dye No. 3):
• Two samples tested positive for erythrosine, although the dye was not declared on their labels.
• This is alarming, as erythrosine has been associated with potential health risks, including thyroid-related issues.
2. Starch Content:
• Starch, which is also prohibited in tomato paste production in Ghana, was found in quantities ranging from 1g/100g to 24g/100g in some samples.
• The presence of starch may suggest adulteration or an attempt to bulk up the product, reducing its natural tomato content.
3. Low Natural Tomato Content:
• According to Ghanaian production standards, tomato paste should contain at least 24% natural tomato content. Some samples fell below this threshold, raising concerns about the quality and authenticity of these products.
The findings come months after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) announced a complete ban on erythrosine in January 2025, citing its potential to cause serious health issues. The USFDA has given manufacturers two years to phase out the substance from food products entirely.
The lead researcher, Dr. Abena Boakye, emphasized the need for the Ghana FDA to strengthen its oversight and extend regulatory measures beyond tomato paste to include confectioneries, candies, drinks, and other processed foods containing harmful dyes.
She urged policymakers to act on these findings to protect public health and maintain consumer trust in Ghana’s food market.
“This research should guide stakeholders to ensure that only safe and properly regulated food products are available on the market,” Dr. Boakye stated.
The researchers also recommended increased public awareness about food safety and encouraged consumers to:
• Carefully check product labels for ingredients and expiry dates.
• Report suspicious or poor-quality products to the Ghana FDA.
• Prioritize products from certified and trusted brands.
As tomato concentrate remains a staple in many Ghanaian households, fast food outlets, and restaurants, ensuring its safety is crucial to protecting public health and maintaining industry standards.
The Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) is yet to respond publicly to the study’s findings, but calls for urgent regulatory action continue to grow.