Turkey Tails: How the 1999 ban on “Tsofi” happened and why it is hard to enforce

Several turkey tails, also called “Tsofi,” (Ga word meaning tail) were seized in Suhum and Nsawam by the Ghana Police Service and FDA Ghana.

According to the FDA, the product has been banned in Ghana since 1999, so they are looking out for it.

As well as shedding light on the implications for public health and safety, this article explores the specifics of this collaborative effort.

Why is turkey tail (Tsofi) banned in Ghana and when did the ban happen?

The Ministry of Trade and Industry in 1999, issued a communiqué to all importers to the effect that poultry and poultry products with a total fat content above 15% were banned and not to be imported into Ghana.

According to the Ghana Standards Board (GSB), “Tsofi” and other frozen poultry products with fat contents greater than 15% have been placed under restriction since that communique. Experts state that “Tsofi” surpassed the 15% fat threshold since, even when the fat glands are removed, it still retains roughly 45% fat.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roderick Kwabena Daddey-Adjei explained the reasons behind the ban.

“One of the functions of the FDA is to ensure the safety of the citizens which also centers on what they consume. The background to all of this is the law, the GS 91-2015, talks about meat and meat products. Section 4.3.2 addresses the issue of dressed poultry or poultry fats. Normally when birds make movements, they pick up dirt and water from the backside, veterinary drug residues, and other harmful substances are found in the turkey tail. It may smell nice because it contains oil but it is harmful to our health”, he said.

The ban’s enforcement is a collective effort by the FDA and other authorities to safeguard public health and safety by curtailing the consumption of a product with known health implications. As a result, Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture stopped issuing licenses to import turkey tails.

However, turkey tails are still available in Ghana.

How are turkey tails still available in many market spaces in Ghana?

Despite the ban on turkey tails, these products remain accessible within the Ghanaian market.  This continued availability begs concerns about the effectiveness of enforcing the ban and the means through which these prohibited goods continue to reach consumers.

Notably, the ongoing existence of “Tsofi” indicates that it will be difficult to completely eradicate this product, underscoring the necessity of stricter laws and public awareness initiatives.

He further clarified that turkey tails are typically confiscated at the ports as part of the effort to enforce the ban.

The loophole and how Tsofi can still be found on the market in Ghana

However, the reason these banned products still find their way into the market is due to a common practice: when whole turkeys are imported, the tails, which would otherwise be discarded, are salvaged and sold separately as “Tsofi”.

Thus, it is evident that these turkey tails are being smuggled in either by unauthorized means or by making false claims about the contents of the goods at the authorized entrance locations.

A major source of concern is the continued availability of “Tsofi” in Ghanaian markets, given its possible health concerns. Understanding the rationale behind the ongoing accessibility of this prohibited item is essential when discussing the consequences for public health as well as the efficacy of implementing the prohibition.

Although these turkey tails are usually seized at the ports as part of enforcement actions, they nevertheless make it to customers because of a regular practice of salvaging turkey tails from whole turkeys that are imported into the country which should otherwise be thrown away.

While “Tsofi” may offer some nutritional benefits, it’s crucial to address the health implications of its high-fat content. Dr. George Anagli, an expert in the field, has shed light on the potential risks associated with consuming “Tsofi” regularly. The saturated fat found in “Tsofi” has been linked to severe health conditions; brain, colon, breast, and lung cancers, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attacks. Dr. Anagli strongly advocates for making a more prudent dietary choice by considering healthier alternatives like turkey or chicken.

What do sellers of Tsofi say about why they keep selling it?

In a quest to understand the complex dynamics surrounding the sale of turkey tails, we engaged in an enlightening conversation with Aunty Mary, a long-standing Tsofi seller.

Aunty Mary’s concerns extend to her fellow traders, raising questions about their economic future. While she preferred not to disclose the sources of her turkey tails, she acknowledged the circulating rumors about a potential ban on this commodity. “What else can I do? People like Tsofi”, she said.

Furthermore, it’s critical to recognise that a significant number of “Tsofi” sellers might not have access to thorough knowledge regarding the numerous health risks associated with consuming the delicacy.

FDA believes people will make better choices regarding ‘Tsofi’ if they know the health impact

Understanding the saturated fat content and its possible connection to serious health issues like cancer, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attacks is one area where there may be a knowledge gap. It is imperative to address this lack of awareness and provide “Tsofi” sellers with accurate information.

In a determined effort to ensure the strict enforcement of the ban on turkey tails, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roderick Kwabena Daddey-Adjei, stands at the forefront. He echoes a passionate call to action, urging the public to actively rally behind the ban’s enforcement efforts. He further highlighted the FDA’s dedicated collaboration with various government agencies to ensure the effective implementation of the turkey tail ban.

Because whole turkeys are still being imported, it might be difficult to totally ban this food, but maintaining the restriction is crucial for the welfare of Ghanaians. The high fat content, particularly in saturated fat, of turkey tails is linked to a number of health risks. including high blood pressure, cancer, stroke, and heart attacks.

People can make healthier food choices by going for chicken or turkey instead of other options. To ensure a smooth transition away from this prohibited product, measures that seek to offer alternative economic options to individuals who were formerly involved in the turkey tail trade are also essential.

This endeavor not only protects public health but also upholds Ghana’s commitment to eradicating harmful practices and fostering a culture of well-being.

Source: 3news.com