The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revealed that turkey tail, popularly known in Ghana as ‘tsofi’, continues to flood local markets despite a 20-year nationwide ban due to smugglers utilising unapproved routes.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer Frederick Kwabena Daddey-Adjei explained that a syndicate of criminally minded individuals is actively orchestrating the illegal importation of these prohibited products.
He recalled that Ghana officially banned turkey tail in 1999 due to its exceptionally high fat content and the severe health risks associated with its consumption.
Over the years, health officials have continuously cautioned the public about the dangers of eating turkey tail, warning that it can lead to obesity, hypertension, heart disease, and other serious medical complications. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain a major threat for frequent consumers of the product.
Despite these rigorous regulatory efforts, Daddey-Adjei acknowledged that the product consistently resurfaces in various markets and cold stores across the country, sparking renewed concerns among both regulators and consumers.
Addressing the persistence of the trade, he compared the illegal market to other illicit activities.
“It is like prostitution and armed robbery. These are criminal activities and yet, we still have people engaged in them,” Daddey-Adjei stated. “The importation is being orchestrated by a syndicate of criminally minded persons. One would ask, why do we have these products concentrated in specific communities?”
Speaking directly to show host Kwabena Agyapong, he further explained the tactics used by smugglers to bypass authority checkpoints.
“Be told, host Kwabena Agyapong, that those who import turkey tail use unapproved routes. Some are even able to use the port. What they do is conceal it, or it is mixed up with other items among other products.”
While the FDA has assured the public that it will do everything within its power to halt the illegal influx of turkey tail, Daddey-Adjei maintained that public cooperation is vital.
He urged Ghanaian consumers to stop patronizing tsofivendors entirely, noting that cutting off demand is the most effective way to naturally destroy the illegal market.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
