By Amoako Kwame
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has clarified why turkey tail, popularly known in Ghana as tsofi, is still being sold on the market despite a ban that has remained in force for over 20 years.
According to the Authority, completely removing the product from Ghana’s food distribution system remains challenging because it is often imported and hidden within shipments of frozen foods. Turkey tail was prohibited in Ghana in 1999 over concerns about its high fat content and the health risks linked to excessive consumption.
Health officials have consistently cautioned that the product contains unhealthy amounts of fat, which may increase the risk of obesity, hypertension, heart disease, and other related health conditions.
Despite the ban, turkey tail continues to appear in some markets and cold stores across the country, raising fresh concerns among regulators and consumers.
The matter recently regained public attention after the FDA stepped up warnings over the continued presence of the banned product in the frozen food market.
Speaking to Citi News, the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of the Food Division at the FDA, Roderick Kwabena Daddey-Adjei, admitted that authorities continue to face difficulties in identifying and intercepting turkey tail imports at the country’s entry points. However, he said steps have been taken to improve the identification of banned goods in the future.
“It might be that people will use some unapproved routes. Some will even be able to use the port. But like I said, it is frozen and then it is mixed up with other items in the consignment, when we are doing inspections, it is not like a 100 percent check. You sample, then pick, and then look at it. But lately, even for those who are bringing in frozen meat, there has been a concern for some contraband. Authorities will be doing what we call ‘side verification inspections’ with those who bring in frozen products,” he stated.
