A new nationwide study has uncovered alarming levels of toxic heavy metals, including lead, cadmium and mercury, in several widely used food and cosmetic products across all 16 regions.
The research, carried out by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in collaboration with UNICEF, tested 1,691 samples of turmeric, cereal mixes, bentonite clay (ayilo), kohl (kajikaji), and skin-lightening cream products commonly used by women and children.
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UNICEF health specialist Dr Emmanuel Kyeremateng-Amoah revealed that some kohl samples contained lead concentrations as high as 11,000 ppm, far above the safe limit of 20 ppm.
He said the contamination was most widespread in unbranded, locally produced kohl, adding that the Upper East and Eastern regions recorded a 78% failure rate for lead.
Turmeric products also showed troubling exposure levels, with 42.1% failing lead tests, particularly in Greater Accra and Central regions. Unlike kohl, these unsafe levels were most prevalent in branded turmeric sold in supermarkets and retail shops.
In cereal mixes such as Tom Brown, the study found a 29% national failure rate for cadmium, while bentonite clay recorded 24.6% failure for lead, especially in the Northeast and Greater Accra regions.
Dr Kyeremateng-Amoah said industrial waste, including used car batteries and poorly handled e-waste, remains a major source of contamination. He announced that UNICEF and partners are developing a national plan to tackle the crisis and urged the media to support public education.
FDA Deputy CEO Roderick Kwabena Daddey-Adjei warned that children are the most vulnerable, absorbing four to five times more lead than adults.
Even minimal exposure, he said, can impair kidney function, brain development, speech, hearing, learning and may trigger aggression. Exposure during pregnancy could cause miscarriage or stillbirth.
He said the FDA is committed to setting standards and training local pot fabricators to avoid contaminated materials.
The Authority is also intensifying public sensitisation and encouraging citizens to report food safety concerns.
He noted, however, that the FDA requires more resources and equipment to carry out comprehensive testing nationwide.
Paulina S. Addy, Director of the Women in Agriculture Development Directorate at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, recommended tax holidays for stainless-steel utensil manufacturers to promote safer food-handling practices.
She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with the FDA and other agencies to address food safety risks.
