The Director General of the Food Authority of Liberia (FAL), Precelia Cherue, has imposed stringent order on food products before appearing on the market. “All importers, manufacturers, and distributors are now required to register their food products and business premises with the Food Authority before placing any goods on the Liberian market,” Cherue sounded a caveat to food vendors nationwide.
Earlier this month, FAL, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), halted the sale, distribution, and consumption of “Pasty Tom Tomato Mix”, manufactured by Nutrifoods Ghana Limited, due to violation of the Public Health Law.
Their action was backed by section 26.2 of the Public Health Law Title 33, which prohibits trade in adulterated food, and sections 39.4 and 39.6 of the Ministry of Health Acts 2017 that authorizes the Ministry of Health to undertake preventive measures that promote public health.
The Food Authority of Liberia (FAL) establishes national food safety and quality systems, coordinates with various institutions, and enforces regulations to protect public health and promote trade. Its functions include fostering collaboration among government, academia, and civil society, ensuring food safety across production, processing, and distribution, and developing science-based food control systems. In addition, it works to align Liberia’s food policies with international standards and investigate and act on complaints related to food safety violations.
However, halting the sale, distribution and consumption of the Pasty Tom Tomato Mix was based on food safety violations, according to FAL and MOH.
Their discovery through inspections and laboratory testing—conducted by the Food and Drug Authority of Ghana (FDA), the Liberia Standard Authority (LISA/MOC), and the Food Authority of Liberia (FAL), confirmed several batches the product contain, dangerously high levels of benzoic acid, undeclared additives, mold contamination exceeding international safety standards (Codex alimentarius and ARSO), High Salinity.
Recently, FAL, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, provided an update on the on-going recall of Tasty Tom Tomato Mix from the Liberian market.
“Since the recall was announced on October 14, 2025, our teams have made significant progress in tracing, removing, and safely disposing of the affected product,” FAL’s Director General Cherue said. “This action followed laboratory findings confirming that several batches of Tasty Tom Tomato Mix were unfit for human consumption, showing excessive levels of salt and benzoic acid, undeclared additives, and mold contamination.”
At present, inspections and follow-ups by the teams’ verification recorded one importer identified being responsible for the affected batches, recording 190,000 packs were imported into the country, with 150,000 packs successfully recalled and isolated for disposal.
Nationwide, the inspection teams from FAL and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry continue field verification to ensure complete removal from shelves, stores, and warehouses, Cherue publicized.
“The disposal of the recalled products will be jointly carried out under FAL supervision through an approved incineration process,” General Director Cherue said.
She said in a clarion tone that the importer has been formally instructed to underwrite all costs related to the recall, disposal, and associated public awareness activities.
“We are also strengthening preventive measures to avoid a recurrence,” FAL’s Director Cherue pointed out.
“Every food item—whether imported or locally produced—must undergo proper safety testing to confirm compliance with national standards,” she added.
Cherue assured Liberians and foreign nationals that the FAL will continue to work closely with partners to safeguard the health of consumers and maintain trust in the integrity of food sold in Liberia.
She thanked the public and media colleagues for their continued cooperation and vigilance.
Food provides energy nutrients and building blocks for growth and repair, enabling the body to function, stay warm, and fight off disease. It supplies essential macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats for energy and tissue, and micronutrients like vitamins and minerals for regulating body processes and supporting the immune system.
