Securing the Plate with Forensic Science: Clamping Down on Food Fraud in Ghana
Yahaya Sumara Sulley *
Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, University for Development Studies, P.O. Box-TL 1882, Tamale, Ghana.
Lydia Quansah
Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, University for Development Studies, P.O. Box-TL 1882, Tamale, Ghana and Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University for Development Studies, P.O. Box TL-1882, Tamale, Ghana.
Mohammed Lawal
Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University for Development Studies, P.O. Box TL-1882, Tamale, Ghana and Africa Centre of Excellence for Mycotoxin and Food Safety, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria.
Isaac Oboakoh
Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, University for Development Studies, P.O. Box-TL 1882, Tamale, Ghana.
Sena Abla Zonu
Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University for Development Studies, P.O. Box TL-1882, Tamale, Ghana.
Damba Yahaya
Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University for Development Studies, P.O. Box TL-1882, Tamale, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Food fraud is a critical concern for food safety and public health that has not received sufficient attention. In Ghana, food fraud is economically driven, aiming to exploit unsuspecting consumers for profit. This paper examines the literature on food fraud in Ghana, drawing from journals, online articles, social media and published reports. The findings emphasize the prevalence of food fraud, underscoring the urgent need to combat it in Ghana by leveraging forensic science. The study identifies key food adulterants, including sawdust, foam, carbide, bixa, and Sudan IV, commonly found in Ghanaian markets. These substances pose significant risks to consumers. The paper serves as a roadmap for establishing effective policies, laws, and regulations to address food fraud in Ghana. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes the importance of future directions and policies to tackle the existing food fraud situation. It recommends the prudent use of forensic technologies as a powerful approach to crackdown on food fraud. By employing forensic techniques, it becomes possible to apprehend and bring justice to those responsible for intentional acts of food fraud. In conclusion, this paper highlights the seriousness of food fraud in Ghana's food industry and public health. It emphasizes the urgent need to combat this issue by utilizing forensic science. By implementing robust policies and leveraging forensic technologies, Ghana can effectively ensure consumer safety and maintain integrity within the food supply chain.
Keywords: Food fraud, food safety, forensic science, Ghana