Palm oil processors, millers, and out-growers in the Eastern Region are urging the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and other regulatory bodies to increase their surveillance to help curb palm oil adulteration in the country.
This appeal was made during a two-day training workshop for oil farmers in the Kwaebibirim Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The workshop was organized by the Artisanal Palm Oil Millers and Outgrowers Association in collaboration with the FDA.
Members of the Artisanal Palm Oil processors and millers expressed concern over the continuous use of Sudan IV dye to dilute and enhance the colour of palm oil by some unscrupulous processors.
They believe this practice is not only affecting the quality of the oils produced and exported but is also gradually crippling the sector.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified Sudan IV dye as a food colorant due to its carcinogenicity and mutagenicity.
Despite its ban, some producers and buyers of palm oil often use this substance to enhance the color of the oil.
Sources reveal that most palm farmers and merchants often engage in these illegalities just to make a profit. They fill containers with the dye before bringing it to the farms for the oil.
This practice, according to some palm oil farmers, processors, and merchants, is negatively impacting their businesses.