FDA Suspends Production of Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix, Orders Market Recall Over Safety Concerns

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has suspended the production of Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix by Nutrifoods Ghana Limited with immediate effect, following serious breaches of quality and safety standards at the company’s manufacturing facility.

This action comes in the wake of numerous consumer complaints and a subsequent investigation by the FDA into the company’s operations. Prior to the suspension, the Authority had directed a market recall of all canned Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix products, as well as specific batches of the product packaged in 380g and 1.05kg pouches.

Findings from the FDA’s inspection revealed significant lapses in the maintenance of critical manufacturing equipment and a lack of effective monitoring systems—both essential for ensuring product integrity and public safety. These deficiencies compromised the sealing of canned products, leading to contamination, bloating, and, in some instances, the presence of mold in the pouch versions of the tomato mix.

The contamination poses serious public health risks, prompting the FDA to take decisive regulatory action to prevent further harm to consumers.

In a further development, the FDA has launched an internal review to determine whether any regulatory shortcomings contributed to the situation. This review is particularly urgent given that Nutrifoods Ghana Limited had previously been prohibited from producing the tomato mix as far back as January 2025. Any failure on the part of FDA personnel to enforce this earlier restriction will be addressed promptly and rigorously to reinforce institutional accountability and regulatory effectiveness.

The Authority urges all consumers, retailers, and wholesalers to comply fully with the recall directive and immediately cease the sale or distribution of the affected products. The FDA remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding public health and will continue to enforce strict regulatory standards to ensure that food products on the Ghanaian market are safe and of high quality.

Read the statement below:

Credit: FDA