42% of palm oil tests positive for Sudan IV dye

The Food and Drugs Authority secretariat in the Eastern region has revealed that over 42% of Palm oil samples taken from the various markets in the region have tested positive for containing the carcinogenic Sudan IV dye after laboratory tests.

The acting Eastern regional Director of FDA, Mr. Samuel Kwakye told Starr News after a media briefing on Monday that out of the 71 samples of Palm oil taken from markets, 42.4% contains the Sudan IV dye.

He added that out of the 22 samples taken from the production sources only 9.1% were tested positive.

Mr. Samuel Kwakye called on perpetrators to desist from the act since culprits would be prosecuted when found guilty of adulterating palm oil.

Meanwhile, the FDA has intensified its post market surveillance and has seized a number of expired and fake products circulating on the markets in the Eastern region.

Some of the products are Boom Boom energy drinks, Minute Maid, rebagged Rice, Fake So Klin washing powder, Anti malaria drugs, Latavit Vitamin for Babies, Astyler Drugs meant for Anemia in pregnancy and a number of Cosmetic Products.

Mr. Kwakye urged the public to be vigilant on products they buy on the market especially during this yuletide.

He mentioned that, the FDA has put intensified post market surveillance activities across the region at targeted areas such as supermarkets, Marts, markets, provision shops in town, warehouse, cold stores, drug houses and cosmetic shops.