Seven arrested in Koforidua over adulterated palm oil with banned Sudan dye

Seven women have been arrested at the Koforidua Central Market in the Eastern Region for allegedly adulterating palm oil with a banned industrial dye, in what authorities describe as a serious threat to public health and food safety.

The suspects were picked up during a joint operation involving the police and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), following intelligence and earlier laboratory findings that pointed to contamination of palm oil sold in the area. The operation, carried out on Thursday, April 16, 2026, forms part of an intensified crackdown on the use of unauthorised substances in food products.

Large quantities of palm oil contained in yellow gallons have since been seized by the Koforidua Central Police Command to aid ongoing investigations. Officials say the substance allegedly used, commonly known as Sudan IV dye, is intended to give the oil a deeper red colour to attract buyers.

Investigators believe the arrests may only be the tip of a wider network, with preliminary reports indicating that some of the adulterated products may have originated from producers in Akyem Maase. Authorities say efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other individuals linked to the suspected supply chain.

The FDA has previously warned that Sudan dyes are strictly prohibited in food products and are only approved for industrial applications such as textiles and cosmetics. Health experts caution that consumption of such substances could pose serious risks, including allergic reactions, neurological effects and long-term conditions such as cancer.

Briefing the Daily Graphic, the District Crime Officer at the Koforidua Central Police Command, Augustine K. Asante Kusi, described the alleged conduct as a grave offence and urged traders to desist from using unapproved chemicals in food processing.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Regional Director of the FDA, Anita Kuffour, reaffirmed the Authority’s resolve to pursue the case to its logical conclusion. She said investigations would seek to uncover the full scope of the operation, including how the suspects obtained the prohibited dye.

She added that depending on the outcome of investigations, the suspects could face administrative sanctions or be prosecuted in court.

Ms Kuffour also appealed to consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing food items, urging the public to report suspicious products to the relevant authorities as part of collective efforts to safeguard public health.

Source: graphic.com.gh