The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has explained why turkey tail, locally known as tsofi, continues to appear on Ghana’s markets despite a ban that has been in place since 1999.
According to the Authority, the product remains difficult to completely remove from the food supply chain because it is often smuggled and concealed within consignments of frozen foods imported into the country.
The FDA says although routine inspections are carried out at entry points, the nature of the imports makes detection challenging, as banned items are sometimes mixed with other approved frozen products.
Turkey tail was banned in Ghana due to concerns over its high fat content and associated health risks, including obesity, hypertension, and heart disease.
Speaking to Citi News, Deputy Chief Executive of the FDA’s Food Division, Roderick Kwabena Daddey-Adjei, explained that authorities rely on sampling during inspections, which means not all containers are fully checked.
He noted that some importers also use unapproved routes or conceal contraband within larger shipments, complicating enforcement efforts.
The FDA says it has intensified surveillance and introduced additional verification measures to curb the circulation of banned food products.
Authorities are therefore urging importers and traders to comply fully with food safety regulations to protect public health.
