The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a strong warning to the public regarding the consumption of palm oil that may be contaminated with Sudan dye, a harmful industrial dye banned for use in food products due to its carcinogenic properties.

The FDA’s alert follows ongoing investigations and enforcement actions aimed at eliminating the presence of the toxic dye, specifically the Sudan Four dye, found in some palm oil products currently available on the market. The dye, known for its bright red color, is sometimes illegally used to enhance the appearance of palm oil, posing a significant health risk to consumers.

Roderick Daddey-Adjei, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the FDA, expressed serious concerns about the continuing issue of adulterated palm oil. Despite substantial efforts to crack down on this illegal practice, a small percentage of contaminated products still persist in the market.

“We have made significant progress in reducing the prevalence of adulterated palm oil,” Daddey-Adjei stated. “However, we are still not happy about that small percentage that is there, which means that people who perpetrated the activity are still lurking in the dark. We want to warn those who think they can continue this harmful practice that their days are numbered.”

In a recent operation, the FDA conducted a series of raids resulting in several arrests, with the suspects now handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

The FDA is urging all consumers to be vigilant when purchasing palm oil and to report any suspicious products to the authorities. The public is advised to only buy palm oil from reputable sources and to check for any unusual coloration or smell, which could indicate contamination.

The FDA reassures consumers that it remains committed to ensuring the safety and quality of food products on the market and will continue to take stringent measures to prevent the distribution of adulterated palm oil.