Lead, mercury detected in tom brown, turmeric – FDA report

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has identified high levels of heavy metal contamination in selected food and cosmetic products sold across Ghana.

The findings are contained in a National Summary Report supported by UNICEF and based on surveillance conducted in all 16 administrative regions.

The assessment focused on lead, cadmium and mercury levels in turmeric, cereal mixes (commonly known as tom brown), bentonite clay (ayilor), kohl (Kaji Kaji) and various skin-lightening creams and lotions.

According to the report, kohl recorded a 77.79 per cent contamination rate for lead, with the Upper East and Eastern regions showing 100 per cent contamination.

Turmeric had a 42.09 per cent contamination rate for lead, with Greater Accra and Central regions most affected. Cereal mixes showed a 29 per cent contamination rate for cadmium, particularly in the North East, Western North and Oti regions.

Bentonite clay recorded a 24.62 per cent contamination rate for lead, notably in the North East and Greater Accra regions.

The FDA noted that unbranded products from open markets and retail shops were the primary sources of contamination.

However, some skin-lightening creams and lotions showed full compliance in certain regions, with no mercury detected.

Deputy Chief Executive of the FDA’s Food Division, Mr Roderick Kwabena Dadie Agyei, said the Authority is developing new guidelines to address the issue.

Measures include enhanced oversight of kohl products, expanded safety checks for cereal mixes, and nationwide recalls of contaminated turmeric brands. He also announced plans for stricter inspection of imports and improved port surveillance.

Mr Agyei emphasised the importance of product traceability and raised concerns about food sourced from illegal mining areas. He warned that heavy metals are contributing to birth defects and serious health problems, and called for changes in agricultural practices.

UNICEF Ghana Health Specialist, Rev Dr Emmanuel Kyerematen Amoah, said even minimal lead exposure can harm children’s development, reduce IQ, impair learning and cause kidney and heart-related diseases.

He called for urgent action to reduce lead in consumer products and urged regulators, businesses and trade groups to adopt safer alternatives and comply with registration standards.