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.
The study, conducted in Kumasi and Accra, aimed to assess the quality of tomato concentrates being sold on the market.
Eight different brands that conformed to standard labelling requirements were selected.
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."
In Ghana, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) does not permit the substance to be used in the production of tomato paste as it has been found to cause various health conditions, while starch is also prohibited in tomato paste formulations.
In January, the US 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.
Findings
The findings of the research, led by Dr Abena Boakye of the Department of Food Science and Technology, have been published in the International Journal of Food Science.
It 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.
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KNUST research finds harmful dye in tomato paste products
Daily Graphic
Feb - 26 - 2025 , 09:57
3 minutes read
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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.
The study, conducted in Kumasi and Accra, aimed to assess the quality of tomato concentrates being sold on the market.
Eight different brands that conformed to standard labelling requirements were selected.
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."
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In Ghana, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) does not permit the substance to be used in the production of tomato paste as it has been found to cause various health conditions, while starch is also prohibited in tomato paste formulations.
In January, the US 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.
Findings
The findings of the research, led by Dr Abena Boakye of the Department of Food Science and Technology, have been published in the International Journal of Food Science.
It 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.
However, they said the total natural tomato content in some of the sampled brands fell outside this recommended range, which required tomato paste to have at least 24 per cent natural tomato content.
The report said alarmingly, erythrosine was detected in two samples, even though it was not indicated on the labels and also found starch content ranging from 1g/100g to 24g/100g in the products sampled.
In its recommendations, the research asked the FDA to, as a matter of urgency, not only focus on removing the harmful dye from tomato products but must extend its regulations to include confectionery, drinks and other food products.
It further said the findings of the research should encourage further research and inform policymakers on the necessary steps to ensure food safety in the country.
Also, it recommended that these findings be used to inform stakeholders and guide the necessary steps to provide safe tomato concentrates and other food products for consumers on the market.
“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,” the report stated.
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.
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Total Comments: 1
Nice research