Tomato paste is a staple in many Ghanaian households, offering a quick and affordable alternative to fresh tomatoes. But it appears that that convenient can of tomato paste contains more than just tomatoes.
A recent study by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has uncovered a shocking truth: some brands on the Ghanaian market contain banned additives, including an artificial dye linked to serious health risks.
What’s in Your Tomato Paste?
Erythrosine, also known as Red Dye No. 3, is a synthetic red dye commonly found in candies, beverages, and baked goods. The Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) strictly prohibits its use in tomato paste due to health concerns, along with starch, which is also not allowed in tomato paste formulations. However, KNUST researchers found both erythrosine and starch in some samples of tomato paste sold in Ghana.
The Findings: A Recipe for Concern
The study analyzed eight different brands of tomato concentrate that met standard labeling requirements. While all samples looked and tasted like tomato paste, ranging from red to dark red with a paste-like consistency, some did not meet the required minimum of 24% natural tomato content. Even more alarming, erythrosine was detected in two samples without being listed on the labels, while starch content varied between 1g/100g and 24g/100g.
A publication by KNUST highlights the bigger picture, stressing the need for stronger food safety regulations. Dr. Abena Boakye, the study’s lead researcher from the Department of Food Science and Technology, stated: “The Ghana FDA should not only focus on removing erythrosine from tomato products but also extend its regulations to include manufacturers of confectionery, candies, drinks, and other food products containing this harmful dye. These findings should fuel further research and inform policymakers on the necessary steps to ensure the safety of food products available to consumers.”
Global Concerns Over Erythrosine
Erythrosine has been under scrutiny worldwide. In January 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of Red Dye No. 3 in all food and ingested drugs, citing studies that linked the dye to cancer in laboratory animals. Companies have been given until January 2027 to eliminate it. Similarly, California passed a law in October 2023 prohibiting the use of erythrosine in food products, also set to take effect in 2027.
If banned additives are still making their way into food products, how safe is the food on our shelves? With tomato paste being a household essential, consumers must stay vigilant and demand better enforcement of food safety regulations.
