The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has taken samples of palm oil in major market centres in the Western Region for laboratory test, to ascertain whether it contains traces of banned substance, Sudan IV dye.

The samples were taken at Takoradi market circle, Kojokrom, Agona-Nkwanta, Prestea and Bogoso markets.

Mr. Albert Ankomah, a Senior Regulatory Officer at the FDA, told the Ghana News Agency in Takoradi that, the move was necessitated by the recent revelations that some palm oil in 10 market centres in Accra contained the banned substance.

He said the Authority would make public the test result and advised the public to exercise extreme circumspection regarding consumption of palm oil.

“We are all at risk because the staff of FDA also consumes palm oil since it is very difficult to determine with the naked eyes whether a particular palm oil contains the banned substance”, he pointed out.

He warned the public to be careful during the Christmas festivities with regards to the products they patronize since some unscrupulous persons would like to make quick money with the sale of unwholesome products on the disguise of reduction sales.

Mr. Ankomah urged Ghanaians to report any suspicious products on the market to the Complaints Unit of the Authority for prompt action, adding “We are there to protect public health and safety”.

Some palm oil sellers, who spoke to the GNA, complained bitterly that the revelation of adulterated palm oil in Greater Accra region has affected their businesses resulting in reduction of sales.

Madam Ama Kwansima, a dealer in palm oil at Takoradi Market Circle, said previously, she makes daily sales of GH?100.00, but this has dropped drastically to less than GH?20.00 per day.

She said some aggrieved Ghanaians make uncomplimentary remarks at them for “selling sickness” to the public.