A National Summary Report on Heavy Metal Contaminant Assessment by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has uncovered alarming levels of heavy metals in selected food and cosmetic products on the Ghanaian market.
The nationwide surveillance, covering all 16 administrative regions, tested for Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Mercury (Hg) in products including turmeric, cereal mixes (popularly known as tom brown), bentonite clay (“ayilor”), kohl (“Kaji Kaji”), and several skin-lightening creams and lotions.
Supported by UNICEF, the findings were presented to key stakeholders such as market women, regulators, health professionals, researchers, industry players, consumer advocates, and development partners.
According to the report, kohl had the highest contamination, recording a 77.79% rate for lead, with the Upper East and Eastern regions showing 100% contamination. Turmeric followed with a 42.09% contamination rate for lead, with the Greater Accra and Central regions most affected.
Cereal mixes (tom brown) recorded a 29% contamination rate for cadmium, particularly in the North East, Western North, and Oti regions. Bentonite clay (“ayilor”) showed a 24.62% contamination rate for lead, especially in the North East and Greater Accra.
The report further noted that unbranded products from open markets and retail shops were the main sources of contamination, raising serious public health concerns. On a positive note, some skin-lightening creams and lotions recorded 100% compliance, with no mercury detected in certain regions.
Mr. Roderick Kwabena Dadie Agyei, Deputy Chief Executive of the FDA’s Food Division, said the Authority is developing new guidelines to address the threat, including tighter oversight for kohl products, stronger port surveillance, and expanded safety checks for cereal mixes. He added that recalls of contaminated turmeric brands have already begun nationwide.
“The FDA thinks that issues of traceability of food products should be taken seriously. We must know if these food stuffs are coming from galamsey areas so that we stop the supply. The heavy metals are causing birth defects and dire health challenges. We need to stop the galamsey and change our agricultural practices,” Mr Agyei said.
Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Kyerematen Amoah, Health Specialist at UNICEF Ghana, stressed the danger of lead exposure to children.
He explained that even the smallest amount of lead in the body could damage developing organs, lower IQ, impair learning, and cause kidney and heart-related diseases.
Calling for urgent collaboration, he said:
“This report is not the end, it is … a call to decisive action. We owe it to our children, our families and the generations yet unborn to make this country safe from the devastating effects of lead.
“We must develop and enforce standards and regulations for lead in consumer items. We must support trade groups and businesses to properly register their products and seek for safer alternatives for public health protection.”