Sudan dye adulteration in palm oil is a major public health concern in Ghana due to the genotoxic and carcinogenic nature of these industrial azo colorants. This study assessed the prevalence of Sudan I–IV dyes in palm oil from six districts in the Eastern Region and evaluated vendors’ knowledge, perceptions, and practices. Palm oil samples ( n = 18; three replicates per district) were analyzed using thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) and confirmed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Overall, 33% of the samples tested positive for Sudan dyes, with the highest prevalence in Jumapo and Kade districts. Vendor surveys ( n = 200) indicated that 67.5% recognized palm oil adulteration, 42.5% had heard of Sudan dyes, and 7% admitted using them, mainly for profit or consumer preference. Significant differences were observed among districts (ANOVA, p < 0.005). Samples from Jumapo ( Rf = 0.94 ± 0.02; spot distance = 3.56 ± 0.07 cm) and Kade ( Rf = 0.95 ± 0.01; 3.61 ± 0.05 cm) exhibited the highest mobility, indicative of Sudan dye adulteration. Samples from Achiase ( Rf = 0.92 ± 0.01; 3.42 ± 0.08 cm) and Asuom ( Rf = 0.91 ± 0.01; 3.40 ± 0.06 cm) showed the lowest mobility, suggesting minimal or no contamination, while Akim Oda ( Rf = 0.93 ± 0.02; 3.48 ± 0.09 cm) and Ofoase ( Rf = 0.93 ± 0.02; 3.51 ± 0.08 cm) displayed intermediate patterns. The findings demonstrate that Sudan dye adulteration is localized, affects one‐third of palm oil samples, and is economically motivated, highlighting the need for strengthened regulatory monitoring, targeted vendor education, and consumer sensitization to mitigate associated public health risks.
Asante et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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