The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a recall for some batches of Ceres 100 percent apple Juice. This is in response to reports that the products have high levels of mycotoxin-patulin, a food mold, that exceed the regulatory threshold.
The FDA stated in a statement released on Friday that it has removed the majority of the problematic batches from the market so far, but it is relying on public support to remove the remaining batches.
“The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Ghana in collaboration with Transmed Ghana Limited, Accra wishes to bring to the attention of the public an ongoing recall of certain batches of Ceres 100% Apple Juice… This follows information received from the International Food Safety Network (INFOSAN) and the manufacturer of the product, Pioneer Foods Groceries (Pty) Limited, South Africa confirming that extensive laboratory tests and consultations with their local supplier of the apple juice concentrate, revealed that it contained levels of mycotoxin-patulin higher than the regulatory threshold,” it said in a statement.
The FDA has advised the public to return all impacted products to Transmed Ghana Limited depots or any of the FDA’s offices across the country.
“It is important to note that so far, most of the affected batches have been successfully retrieved and this includes all the 1-litre pack sizes. The FDA’s market surveillance team is therefore working earnestly with the importer to remove all the affected products in trade and is calling on persons in possession of the above products to return them to any of the depots of Transmed Ghana Limited, nationwide or to any FDA offices across the country.”
Consuming items with high levels of mycotoxin-patulin might cause nausea, gastrointestinal problems, and vomiting, according to the World Health Organization.
Meanwhile, Pioneer Foods, a South African food, and beverage company have issued a recall for the product supplied in Kenya and other Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa countries due to the toxins. Similar recalls are being carried out in other countries, including Singapore.
source: FDA
