Following Ghana and Togo, Benin has taken decisive action against the concentrated tomato product “Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix.”
On Monday, the Ministry of Industry and Trade announced the immediate suspension of the product’s importation, distribution, and consumption nationwide.
The move follows an alert issued on August 3, 2025, by the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), which ordered the production halt and nationwide recall of “Tasty Tom” due to serious health concerns. Investigations identified critical defects affecting the product’s quality and posing risks to consumer safety.
Togo acted swiftly on August 6, banning all sales of the product within its borders. The Togolese Ministry of Commerce, Handicrafts, and Local Consumption cited “a serious risk to public health” and ordered the immediate withdrawal of all batches, whether packaged in sachets or cans.
In Benin, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has mirrored these strict measures. According to a statement relayed by the Ministry’s Secretary General, the actions include:
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Immediate withdrawal of the product from all shelves and distribution channels.
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Quarantine of existing stocks.
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A total ban on import and sale.
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Intensified surveillance at entry points and markets by relevant authorities.
The public has been strongly urged not to consume “Tasty Tom” products and to report any illegal sales to the Competition Directorate or the Departmental Directorates of Industry and Commerce. Violators may face legal penalties under existing laws.
This coordinated regional response underscores growing vigilance in West Africa over food safety and consumer protection. Authorities in the three countries are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further distribution and to protect public health.
As consumers await further updates, officials have emphasised that adherence to these directives is essential to prevent potential health risks associated with contaminated food products.
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