Children in Greater Accra and Northern regions have dangerous levels of lead in their blood – FDA-UNICEF

A new Food and Drugs Authority (FDA)– United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) national survey has revealed that the Greater Accra and Northern regions record the highest number of children with dangerous levels of lead in their blood.

The report points to a major safety gap in Ghana’s food and cosmetics market, citing high lead and cadmium contamination in products such as kohl, turmeric, and cereal mixes, all posing serious risks to child development and public health.

The survey was on Heavy Metal Contaminant Assessment in selected food and cosmetic products on the Ghanaian market.

It covered all 16 regions, assessing levels of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Mercury (Hg) in turmeric, cereal mixes, bentonite clay (ayilor), kohl (“Kaji Kaji”), and skin-lightening creams/lotions.

It highlighted that unbranded products, particularly from open markets and retail shops, were the main sources of contamination. This raises serious public health concerns.

UNICEF is urging government to update regulations, strengthen market surveillance, and increase public awareness, while aligning with global safety standards to protect citizens from toxic exposure.

‘‘Ghana must align with global best practices and protect its citizens from toxic exposure. A collaborative and urgent action across government, development partners as well as civil society will ensure that every product on the Ghanaian market is safe and regulated.’’ He said.

The FDA’s Deputy CEO, Roderick Kwabena Daddey-Adjei says the Authority is committed to working with other agencies to ensure product safety.

‘‘We have started engaging the fabricators. Please use stainless utensils or pots to cook and protect yourself and your loved ones from lead contamination. Watch where you buy food and what you buy. Now these products are what we have been able to sample. We don’t know of the rest so we will continue to educate and create awareness. We are working with other agencies to ensure the safety of the general public is guaranteed. If possible buy only FDA approved products on the market.’’ He said.

Meanwhile, Madam Paulina Addy from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is calling for a tax holiday for manufacturers of stainless-steel cooking utensils to promote safer cooking practices.

‘‘We need longitudinal studies to trace progress and also make available food safety policies. Its indeed requires a multi stakeholder approach to address this issue. There should be a tax holiday for manufacturers of stainless-steel cooking utensils to promote safer cooking practices,’’ she said.

Despite the threats, Ghana still lacks heavy-metal regulations for products like kohl and turmeric and has no national product-safety database, leaving significant regulatory gaps.