Accra, Oct. 19, GNA - Given the increasing concerns of key markets about chemical residue levels in food, the Ghana Cocoa Board says it will equip all three takeover centres in Tema, Takoradi and Kumasi with appropriate testing machines to undertake residue analysis and issue appropriate certificates.

Consequently, the Board has also announced a ban in the use of Endosulfan, Cocostar, Durban and Pyrinex as well as all pirimiphosmethyl-based chemicals on cocoa farms. COCOBOD said it was not responsible for the importation of any of these chemicals because they contained chlopyrifos, Fenvalerate, thionex, thiodan and callifan.

"This move will reassure the market of our readiness to comply with the new regulations," Mr Isaac Osei, Chief Executive of COCOBOD said at a press conference to launch the 2007/8 main crop season. In November 2006, the Chocolate and Cocoa Association of Japan announced the rejection of about 2,000 metric tons of cocoa from Ghana because the produce was found to have contained high chemical residue. Mr Osei explained then that the reported consignment from Ghana arrived in Japan just at the time the Asian country had raised its grading standards and had set new residual limits.

He explained that while most international cocoa buyers, including those in Europe, determined the quality of the commodity by testing the beans, the Japanese were conducting their test on the shells. He called for a uniform standard of testing the commodity in order to eliminate disparities in the grading system.

"The quality of Ghana cocoa continues to be acceptable to many consuming countries, but there is still room for considerable improvement. Good quality can be achieved only if the fullest attention is given to harvesting and preparation," he added. 19 Oct. 07