Seven (7) women suspected to belong to a network of individuals selling adulterated Palm oil to consumers have been arrested in Koforidua in a joint operation by the Ghana Police Service and Food and Drugs Authority.
The operation follows laboratory confirmation that some palm oil confiscated by FDA during a routine market surveilance in the Koforidua market late last year contained Sudan IV dye .
According to FDA, five suspects were initially arrested, but denied knowledge of the substance, claiming they were only retailers who sourced their products from suppliers, particularly from Akyem Maase.
An intelligent based manhunt was initiated to track the network of supppliers.
The suspects were arrested immediately upon arrival in Koforidua to supply suspicious palm oil to the market.
The seven women were identified as being on a watchlist compiled by the FDA and police, with two of them linked to products that tested positive for Sudan dye last year.
The police have since impounded the suspected products, while the FDA has taken samples for further laboratory analysis.
The suspects are currently assisting with investigations.
READ: Armed Police storm Akropong over chieftaincy dispute, one shot dead
The Koforidua District Crime Officer A.S.P. Augustine Asante Kusi, described the act as a serious criminal offence, warning traders against engaging in the adulteration of food products with unauthorised chemicals.
He added that the suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue for prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Regional Director of the FDA, Anita Kuffour, has assured the public that the Authority will continue to intensify surveilance in the markets to ensure public health safety.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
