Pepper laced with ‘gogomi’ and ‘kola’ unhealthy for consumption – Toxicologist

Adulterated Food in Ghanaian Markets Poses Deadly Health Risks, Experts Warn

Concerns over food safety in Ghana have intensified as experts warn about the dangers of adulterated powdered pepper and other common food products sold in local markets. Toxicologist and scientist Yakubu Adam has revealed that the use of maggots and kola nuts in pepper adulteration is extremely unsafe. He emphasized that the microorganisms carried by these substances can trigger sudden illnesses and, in severe cases, lead to death.

Reports indicate that some powdered pepper sold in markets is deliberately mixed with spoiled wheat infested with maggots and flies. This contaminated mixture is then packaged and sold to unsuspecting families, who are often unaware of the hidden health risks.

Speaking to TV3, Adam described the practice as “completely wrong” and urged consumers to be vigilant. He explained, “The maggots, for instance, are not supposed to be found in wheat at all. I have also heard that some people use kola. They claim it increases the quantity of pepper, but the reality is dangerous. Kola contains caffeine, which is a sympathomimetic substance. This means it can increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially leading to hemorrhage. Excessively high blood pressure can cause restlessness, internal bleeding, and in extreme cases, death. Even when immediate symptoms of food poisoning appear mild, they can escalate quickly and become life-threatening.”

An interview with a pepper trader further highlights the widespread nature of food adulteration. She admitted that most foods sold in markets are chemically treated to appear fresh, even though they may be harmful to consumers. “All foods are sprayed—tomatoes, garden eggs, even okra,” she said. According to her, the remnants of wheat containing maggots and flies are deliberately mixed into pepper purely for profit. She openly stated, “All this is for the sake of money. I will sell my products at high prices; if you want quality, buy it. If not, go for the cheap one, but you will get what you deserve.”

The trader also explained how adulterated pepper can sometimes be identified during cooking. “Sometimes, when you use powdered pepper in stew, you might notice it looks like there is flour inside. Initially, they used Garri, which is expensive, so they switched to wheat. This is one way to spot adulteration if you are observant.”

Food safety in Ghana has become a daily struggle for many, as investigations reveal that even staple foods are often contaminated with microorganisms capable of silently causing fatal illnesses.

Palm oil, another dietary staple, is also under scrutiny. During a visit to Malata Market in Accra, some traders admitted that the bright red color of certain palm oil is achieved using Sudan dye, a chemical known to be dangerously harmful. One trader said, “They claim it’s Sudan dye, but I’m not sure exactly what they use. If you look carefully, you can distinguish the natural palm oil from the adulterated one by its color.” Another trader added, “Sudan dye is not safe for consumption. It kills people and should never be used in palm oil.”

Yakubu Adam offered practical advice for identifying contaminated foods. “Chemical adulterants are not easy to detect at home. However, microbial contamination may be observed if food is left for 24 hours—fungal growth, mold, or bubbling can indicate microbial activity. Microbes produce gas as they multiply, so soups or stews might form bubbles after some time. But realistically, most consumers do not wait that long before consuming food, which is why vigilance is crucial.”

Adam also raised concerns about the role of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in preventing such food contamination. “We often place the entire responsibility on the FDA, forgetting that the Ministry must ensure crops are grown following sustainable agronomic practices. Poor oversight at the Ministry level leads to contaminated foods entering the market. The FDA cannot singlehandedly address these systemic failures, and ultimately, the burden falls on the consumer.”

The warning is stark: adulterated food is more than a health hazard—it is a silent killer. Consumers are urged to exercise extreme caution when purchasing food, as a single careless choice could expose them to untreatable and life-threatening diseases.