National Summary Report on Heavy Metal Assessment in Selected Foods and Cosmetics Products in Ghana

This first-of-its-kind nationwide assessment by Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority, in partnership with UNICEF, analyzed 1,691 commonly used food and cosmetic products across all 16 regions for lead, cadmium, and mercury using international and national safety standards. The findings revealed widespread contamination—particularly in kohl, turmeric, cereal mixes, and bentonite clay—with unbranded products from informal markets posing the highest risk. The report highlights serious public health concerns for children and pregnant women and outlines urgent regulatory actions to reduce exposure and strengthen food and chemical safety systems in Ghana.

The findings revealed high levels of heavy metal contamination in several selected products:

• Kohl: 77.97% failure rate for lead, with Upper East and Eastern regions recording 100% failure. 
• Turmeric: 42.09% failure rate for lead, with Greater Accra and Central regions recording the highest level of contamination.  
• Cereal Mixes: 29% failure rate for cadmium contamination, with North East, Western North, and Oti regions most affected. 
• Bentonite Clay (Ayilor): 24.62% failure rate for lead, notably in North East and Greater Accra. 
• Skin-lightening creams/lotions: 100% compliance, with no mercury contamination detected.