FDA national report reveals alarming heavy metal contamination in foods and cosmetics across Ghana

A National Summary Report on Heavy Metal Contaminant Assessment by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revealed disturbing levels of lead, cadmium and mercury in selected food and cosmetic products on the Ghanaian market.

The surveillance, conducted across all 16 administrative regions, covered turmeric, cereal mixes (tom brown), bentonite clay (popularly called “ayilor”), kohl (“Kaji Kaji”) and skin-lightening creams and lotions. The report, supported by UNICEF, was presented to stakeholders including market women, regulators, researchers, health professionals, consumer advocates, industry representatives and development partners.

According to the findings, kohl was the most contaminated, recording a 77.79 per cent contamination rate for lead, with the Upper East and Eastern regions posting 100 per cent contamination. Turmeric followed with a 42.09 per cent contamination rate for lead, with Greater Accra and Central regions showing the highest levels. Cereal mixes, popularly known as tom brown, recorded a 29 per cent contamination rate for cadmium, heavily affecting North East, Western North and Oti regions. Bentonite clay (“ayilor”) registered a 24.62 per cent contamination rate for lead, particularly in the North East and Greater Accra regions.

The report stressed that unbranded products, especially those sold in open markets and retail shops, were the primary sources of contamination, raising grave public health concerns. However, some skin-lightening creams and lotions showed full compliance in certain regions, with no mercury contamination detected.

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Mr Roderick Kwabena Dadie Agyei, Deputy Chief Executive of the FDA Food Division, disclosed that the Authority was developing new guidelines to address the issue. He said oversight of kohl products would be tightened, surveillance at ports strengthened, and recalls of contaminated turmeric brands already initiated. Expanded safety checks for cereal mixes and stricter inspections of imports are also underway.

“The FDA thinks that issues of traceability of food products should be taken seriously. We must know if these food stuffs are coming from galamsey areas so that we stop the supply. The heavy metals are causing birth defects and dire health challenges. We need to stop the galamsey and change our agricultural practices,” Mr Agyei warned.

Rev Dr Emmanuel Kyerematen Amoah, Health Specialist at UNICEF Ghana, underscored the dangers of lead exposure. He cautioned that even the smallest amount of lead in the body could damage developing organs in children, lower their IQ, impair learning, and cause kidney and heart complications.

He said the report should serve as a rallying call for collective action. “We must develop and enforce standards and regulations for lead in consumer items. We must support trade groups and businesses to properly register their products and seek safer alternatives for public health protection. We owe it to our children, our families and the generations yet unborn,” he stated.