The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has ordered the immediate suspension of the production of Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix by Nutrifoods Ghana Limited, citing serious violations of manufacturing standards that pose a risk to public health and safety.
The directive comes after the FDA’s investigation of Nutrifoods’ manufacturing facility revealed poor maintenance of critical production equipment and inadequate monitoring systems.
These deficiencies, according to the Authority, led to compromised product integrity, particularly in the sealing of canned tomato products and select pouch variants, resulting in contamination, bloating, and, in some cases, visible mold growth.
“A market recall of all canned Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix products and specific batches of the 380g and 1.05kg pouches had earlier been directed,” the FDA said.
“The lapses at the manufacturing plant affected the integrity of the canned products by compromising the sealing mechanisms, leading to contamination and bloating of the products in pouches,” the FDA added.
The FDA noted that these developments raise serious health and safety concerns. It further revealed that Nutrifoods had previously been barred from manufacturing the product in January 2025, making the latest findings particularly troubling.
In line with its commitment to transparency and accountability, the FDA has launched an internal investigation to determine whether there were regulatory oversights that allowed production to resume.
“Any dereliction of duty identified will be swiftly dealt with in order to strengthen the FDA’s regulatory oversight,” the Authority assured.
The FDA has urged consumers, retailers, and wholesalers to take immediate note of the suspension and recall directive and to avoid distributing or consuming the affected products.
The Authority has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strict regulatory standards to protect public health.
Meanwhile, Nutrifoods, producers of Tasty Tom, has recalled its products nationwide for replacement.
In a statement issued by Nutrifoods Ghana Limited, it announced a voluntary recall of all affected batches of Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix in various sizes.
The statement said, “our attention has been drawn by the FDA and National Security to some incidents of bloating in Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix pouches and cans (210g and 400g),” the company said. “We have therefore been directed by the regulator to issue this recall, whilst we investigate the root cause of the problem.”
It encouraged consumers in possession of the affected products to return them to the company’s Tema office or any authorised distributor nationwide for a replacement.
For further assistance, customers can contact the company via 050 538 4429 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) or email [email protected].
Nutrifoods expressed regret over the inconvenience and reassured the public of its commitment to product safety and quality.
“We deeply regret any inconvenience caused to our consumers and trade partners because of this issue and recall,” the statement said.
“We at Nutrifoods Ghana Ltd are committed to delivering high-quality products meeting all the required stringent national food safety standards,” it added.
