FDA report uncovers dangerous levels of heavy metals in foods, cosmetics

A recent National Summary Report on Heavy Metal Contaminant Assessment, conducted by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), has exposed alarming concentrations of lead, cadmium, and mercury in several food and cosmetic products sold on the Ghanaian market.

The nationwide surveillance spanned all 16 regions and tested items such as turmeric, cereal blends popularly known as tom brown, bentonite clay (“Ayilor”), kohl (“Kaji Kaji”), and a number of skin-lightening lotions and creams.

Supported by UNICEF, the study’s findings were shared with stakeholders, including market traders, regulators, healthcare providers, researchers, industry players, consumer protection groups, and development partners.

According to the report, kohl was the most heavily contaminated, registering a 77.79 percent rate of lead exposure, with the Eastern and Upper East regions recording full contamination.

 Turmeric followed, with 42.09 percent testing positive for lead, particularly in Greater Accra and Central regions.

Cereal mixes were not spared either, recording cadmium contamination of 29 percent, concentrated in the Northeast, Western North, and Oti regions. Bentonite clay, or “Ayilor,” showed a 24.62 percent rate of lead contamination, especially in Greater Accra and the Northeast.

The FDA pointed out that most of the problematic products were unbranded and largely distributed through open markets and retail shops, raising urgent public health concerns. 

At the same time, the report indicated that some skin-lightening creams and lotions recorded full compliance in certain areas, with no traces of mercury identified.

Deputy Chief Executive of the Food Division at the FDA, Roderick Kwabena Dadie Agyei, explained that new measures were being developed to deal with the issue. He said the authority would “tighten oversight duties for kohl products and put up stronger port surveillance.” 

He also disclosed that recalls of tainted turmeric had already begun nationwide, inspections on cereal blends were being expanded, and stricter checks on imports were underway.

“The FDA believes that issues of traceability of food products should be taken seriously. We must know if these foodstuffs are coming from galamsey areas so that we can stop the supply. The heavy metals are causing birth defects and serious health challenges. We need to stop galamsey and change our agricultural practices,” Mr. Agyei emphasised.

Adding his voice, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Kyerematen Amoah, a Health Specialist with UNICEF Ghana, warned that even minute amounts of lead could damage children’s developing organs, lower IQ, affect learning capacity, and lead to kidney and cardiovascular diseases.

He called for urgent collaboration, saying, 

“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 safer alternatives for public health protection,” he stressed.