Seized Palm Oil In Switzerland Not On Sale in Ghana – FDA

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has assured the public of food safety concerning some two oil brands seized in Switzerland with some individuals claiming that the two brands are on the Ghanaian market.

Information circulating on social media suggests that POLIFUDS and the ZOMI brands reported to have been confiscated by Swiss authorities are being sold in Ghana.

However a statement from FDA issued on Friday, February 16 indicated : “ Preliminary investigations conducted so far by the FDA about the publication indicate that the implicated brands are not registered with the FDA and there is no information regarding the country of origin.

“Market surveillance carried out so far by the FDA has also not established that the said brands are in circulation on the Ghanaian market. It must be noted that ZOMI is a generic name for a type of palm oil in many West African countries and its origin should not be necessarily associated with Ghana only”.

The FDA further assured the general public that it has put in place regulatory measures to ensure that “palm oil on the Ghanaian market, as well as export consignments are safe for consumption”.

Below is the statement :

FDA ASSURES PUBLIC ON SAFETY OF PALM OIL ON THE MARKET

The attention of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has been drawn to news making rounds on social media about a seizure of two brands of palm oil (POLIFUDS and ZOMI) in Switzerland purported to contain Sudan dyes.

The publication attributed its source to the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) and warned against the use of the said palm oil brands. It may be recalled that the FDA has worked extensively on this subject in the past in collaboration with other agencies including its European partners to ensure the safety of palm oil used in Ghana and for export.

Preliminary investigations conducted so far by the FDA about the publication indicate that the implicated brands are not registered with the FDA and there is no information regarding the country of origin. Market surveillance carried out so far by the FDA has also not established that the said brands are in circulation on the Ghanaian market. It must be noted that ZOMI is a generic name for a type of palm oil in many West African countries and its origin should not be necessarily associated with Ghana only.

The FDA wishes to assure the general public that it has put in place regulatory measures to ensure that palm oil on the Ghanaian market, as well as export consignments are safe for consumption.

The export control measures include the sampling and testing of consignments for Sudan IV dyes among other parameters. Failed consignments are disposed of. The FDA will continue to monitor the industry and trade practices to promote public health and safety.

Meanwhile, the public is encouraged to alert the FDA on any issue regarding its mandate through any of the following contacts Toll free: 0800151000(Vodafone and Airtel) Hotlines: 0299802932, 0299802933

Short code: 4015

Signed Chief Executive Officer