Alert: Togo bans “Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix” from the markets
- Posted on 07/08/2025 15:12
- Film
- By abelozih@sante-education.tg
Extract from the article: Togo is following Ghana's lead by banning the sale and consumption of the food product “Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix” on its territory. This preventive decision comes in the wake of drastic measures taken by the Ghanaian health authorities.
Togo
is following Ghana's lead by banning the sale and consumption of the food
product “Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix” on its territory. This preventive
decision comes in the wake of drastic measures taken by the Ghanaian health
authorities.
On
August 6, Togo's Ministry of Trade, Crafts, and Local Consumption announced in
a press release the immediate suspension of the sale, distribution, and display
of the food product known as “Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix,” whether packaged
in bags or cans, throughout the country.
"This
product is currently subject to a production suspension and a general recall in
Ghana following a decision by the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) on
August 3. This measure follows the discovery of critical defects affecting the
health and safety qualities of the product, which are likely to compromise
consumer well-being and pose a serious risk to public health," the
statement said.
The
FDA investigation was triggered by multiple consumer complaints. Inspectors
found serious breaches of production standards, including poor machine
maintenance and inadequate quality controls. The findings were shocking:
leaking boxes exposing the contents to contamination, swollen bags indicating
possible bacterial growth, and visible mold inside some packages.
As
a result, Minister Kayi Mivedor-Sambiani demanded the mandatory withdrawal of
the product by all actors in the supply chain (importers, distributors, and
retailers), with a view to its quarantine, a citizen mobilization with a call
for vigilance from the population, who are asked to refrain from consuming the
product and to report any suspicious sales via the toll-free number 85 85,
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In
addition, market surveillance missions are being reinforced by the relevant
authorities to ensure strict enforcement of this measure. The ministry has also
warned that any violation of these measures will expose offenders to penalties
in accordance with the regulations in force. The public is invited to be
vigilant and to cooperate with the authorities to ensure the effectiveness of
this health protection measure.
William O.
