The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) has called on the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to take full supervisory control over the recall of unwholesome Tasty Tom tomato paste products that may have entered the market.

Executive Director of CPA in charge of Media and Arbitration, Nana Prempeh Okogyeabour Aduhene, warned that without proper oversight, the unsafe products could still end up in the wrong hands and be used in food preparation.

“If proper supervision is not done, these unwholesome products might find their way into the hands of the wrong people and will still be used to prepare food for consumption,” he cautioned.

The CPA has further urged the FDA to release the batch numbers of the unsafe products, the dates they left the factory, their distribution timelines, and the locations where they may be available. The agency believes this information will help warn consumers and prevent possible health risks.

The CPA also expressed its appreciation to the FDA and national security operatives for their swift response to consumer complaints.

Background

The FDA recently ordered the immediate suspension of production of Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix after investigations uncovered serious lapses in manufacturing standards at Nutrifoods Ghana Limited’s facility.

A full recall of all canned products and specific batches of the 380g and 1.05kg pouches has been mandated due to contamination risks.

The action follows multiple consumer complaints and an FDA inspection, which revealed poor equipment maintenance, compromised sealing mechanisms, and the presence of mould in some products. Bloated cans and pouches were identified as warning signs of potential health hazards, prompting the swift regulatory intervention.