The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has ordered the immediate suspension of the manufacture of Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix, warning that serious health and safety violations at the production facility of Nutrifoods Ghana Limited pose a direct danger to human life.
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, August 3, the FDA confirmed that the decision follows an earlier directive for a nationwide recall of all canned variants of Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix, along with specific batches of the product in 380g and 1.05kg pouches.
The move comes in the wake of multiple consumer complaints and a detailed investigation into the company’s manufacturing processes.
Contaminated products
According to the FDA’s findings, Nutrifoods’ factory operations showed alarming lapses in both equipment maintenance and safety monitoring systems.
The regulatory body discovered that faulty sealing mechanisms in the canned tomato mix had allowed contaminants to penetrate the product.
Several pouches were reported to be visibly bloated — a common indicator of microbial contamination — while others showed signs of mould growth.
“These breaches present unacceptable risks to public health,” the FDA warned.
“We have acted swiftly to suspend production and ensure the affected products are removed from the market.”
Health experts note that the consumption of mould-contaminated food products can cause severe food poisoning, gastrointestinal infections, and long-term health complications, particularly among children, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Previous suspension raises red flags
The FDA’s statement further revealed that this is not the first time Nutrifoods has fallen short of regulatory expectations.
In January 2025, the company had already been barred from producing the tomato mix due to similar concerns. The recurrence of such violations has raised critical questions about the company’s commitment to food safety and its adherence to public health protocols.
The FDA, in response, has initiated an internal review to determine whether there were any lapses in regulatory oversight that allowed Nutrifoods to resume production without meeting full compliance standards.
“We are committed to transparency and accountability,” the Authority stated.
“Should any internal failings be identified, decisive action will be taken to strengthen our regulatory framework.”
Public urged to return products
Retailers, wholesalers, and consumers are being urged to take the recall directive seriously and to immediately remove all affected products from shelves and storage. Consumers who already purchased the tomato mix — whether in canned or pouch form — are encouraged to return them to their point of purchase and report any adverse symptoms to the FDA or a healthcare provider.
Nutrifoods Ghana Limited has issued a communique indicating its willingness to comply with the FDA’s directive and initiate a recall of all specified batches.
Consumer safety comes first
This latest development adds to growing public concern about food safety standards in Ghana’s processed food industry.
Consumer advocacy groups have called for stronger punitive measures against manufacturers that repeatedly violate health and safety protocols.
As the FDA continues its investigations, it has reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that no compromised food product remains in circulation.
“The safety of the Ghanaian consumer is our top priority. We will not hesitate to take further action where necessary,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, citizens are advised to check their pantry shelves and discard or return any suspicious-looking Tasty Tom tomato products — especially those with bloated pouches or unusual odour — to avoid the risk of serious illness.
