According to a Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) investigation, some tomato paste brands available in Ghana contain prohibited ingredients such starch and erythrosine.
Red Dye No. 3, sometimes referred to as erythrosine, is a common food coloring used in drinks, sweets, and toffees. However, because of possible health hazards, the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) forbids its usage in tomato paste. In a similar vein, tomato paste compositions cannot contain starch.
Eight distinct tomato concentrate brands that complied with standard labeling criteria were investigated in this study, which was conducted in Accra and Kumasi.
Although every sample had the desired color and texture of tomato paste, several did not meet the necessary 24% natural tomato content, according to the researchers. Despite not being listed on the labels, erythrosine was found in two samples, which is concerning. Some samples had starch contents ranging from 1g/100g to 24g/100g.
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Dr. Abena Boakye of the Department of Food Science and Technology led the study, which was published in the International Journal of Food Science.
“The Ghana FDA should not only concentrate on eliminating erythrosine from tomato products but also expand its regulations to include manufacturers of confectionery, candies, drinks, and other food products containing this harmful dye,” she said in response to the findings.
These results should encourage more study and advise decision-makers on how to guarantee the safety of consumer-available food products.
Because of the health risks associated with erythrosine, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) banned its use in food items earlier this year. Manufacturers have two years to completely take it off the market.
To guarantee that Ghanaian customers are shielded from dangerous food additives, the KNUST study urges regulatory agencies to monitor and enforce laws more strictly. Researchers advise stakeholders to use these findings as a reference when putting safer food production methods into practice.
