Erythrosine, also called Red Dye No. 3, is used as a colourant in various foods, including toffees, candies, and drinks. On the labels of these products, it may simply appear as "Number 3."

The Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) does not permit the substance to be used in the production of tomato paste.

This is because it has been found to cause various health conditions and is not allowed in tomato paste production. Starch is also prohibited in tomato paste formulations.

However, a study by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on tomato paste sold in Ghana has found traces of both starch and erythrosine in some samples.

Tomato concentrate, which can be classified as either tomato paste or tomato mix, has become a convenient food item commonly used in Ghanaian homes, fast food outlets, and restaurants.

It offers a relatively cheap and quick alternative to fresh tomatoes, especially when tomatoes are out of season. Over the years, concerns have arisen over the safety of tomato concentrate brands on the Ghanaian market.

The study, conducted in Kumasi and Accra, aimed to assess the quality of tomato concentrates being sold. Eight different brands that conformed to standard labelling requirements were selected.

The researchers found that all the samples had a colour range from red to dark red, a paste-like appearance, and the characteristic taste of tomato concentrate, conforming to standard physical requirements.

According to production standards, tomato paste should contain at least 24% natural tomato content.

However, the total natural tomato content in some of the sampled brands fell outside this recommended range.

Alarmingly, erythrosine was detected in two samples, even though it was not indicated on the labels. The study, published in the International Journal of Food Science, also found starch content ranging from 1g/100g to 24g/100g.

In January, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) completely banned erythrosine from food products due to its potential health risks and has given manufacturers two years to remove it from shelves and eliminate its use entirely.

The research led by Dr. Abena Boakye of the Department of Food Science and Technology states: “The Ghana FDA should not only focus on removing erythrosine from tomato products but also extend its regulations to include manufacturers of confectionery, candies, drinks, and other food products containing this harmful dye. These findings should fuel further research and inform policymakers on the necessary steps to ensure the safety of food products available to consumers.”

They again recommend that these findings be used to inform stakeholders and guide necessary steps to provide safe tomato concentrates and other food products for consumers on the market.