A study conducted by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has discovered the existence of banned substances in tomato paste in Ghana.
According to the study, it found erythrosine, commonly known as Red Dye No. 3, in tomato paste in Ghana.
The study explained that the substance is used as a colourant in various foods, including toffees, candies, and drinks. On the labels of these products, it may simply appear as “Number 3.”
However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not permit the substance to be used in the production of tomato paste.
The substance is said to cause various health conditions and is not allowed in tomato paste production. Starch is also prohibited in tomato paste formulations.
But the study conducted by the university on tomato paste sold in Ghana has found traces of both starch and erythrosine in some samples.
The study was conducted in Kumasi and Accra and was aimed to assess the quality of tomato concentrates being sold. Eight different brands that conformed to standard labelling requirements were selected.
It was discovered that all of the samples had a colour range of red to dark red, a paste-like appearance, and the characteristic taste of tomato concentrate, which met standard physical requirements.
According to production standards, tomato paste should contain at least 24% natural tomato content.
However, the total natural tomato content in some of the sampled brands fell outside this recommended range.
A publication on the official website of the school stated that’alarmingly, erythrosine was detected in two samples, even though it was not indicated on the labels. The study, published in the International Journal of Food Science, also found starch content ranging from 1 g/100 g to 24 g/100 g.
In January, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) completely banned erythrosine from food products due to its potential health risks and has given manufacturers two years to remove it from shelves and eliminate its use entirely.
The research led by Dr. Abena Boakye of the Department of Food Science and Technology recommended, “The Ghana FDA should not only focus on removing erythrosine from tomato products but also extend its regulations to include manufacturers of confectionery, candies, drinks, and other food products containing this harmful dye. These findings should fuel further research and inform policymakers on the necessary steps to ensure the safety of food products available to consumers.”
The researchers further advised that the findings from the study be used to inform stakeholders and guide necessary steps to provide safe tomato concentrates and other food products for consumers on the market.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
