Monrovia, Liberia — The Food Authority of Liberia (FAL), in coordination with the Ministries of Health, Justice, and Commerce & Industry, has expanded its nationwide recall of Tasty Tom Tomato Mix following confirmed food safety violations.
At a press conference in Monrovia on Thursday, FAL Director General Madam Precellia Cherue provided an update on the recall, noting that the agency has made significant progress since the directive was first issued on October 14, 2025.
“Laboratory analyses confirmed that several batches of Tasty Tom Tomato Mix were unfit for human consumption,” Madam Cherue stated. “The tests revealed excessive levels of salt and benzoic acid, undeclared additives, and mold contamination.”
Progress on the Recall
According to the FAL Director, investigations and field inspections have so far revealed that one importer was responsible for bringing the affected product into Liberia, totaling 190,000 packs. Out of this quantity, 150,000 packs have already been successfully recalled and quarantined for safe disposal.
Joint inspection teams from the Food Authority of Liberia and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry are currently deployed across the country to verify compliance and ensure that the contaminated products are completely removed from store shelves, warehouses, and distribution centers.
Madam Cherue also disclosed that the disposal process for the recalled items will be conducted under strict FAL supervision through an approved incineration method designed to ensure both environmental and public safety.
Accountability and Future Prevention
The importer linked to the unsafe batches has been instructed to cover all expenses associated with the recall, including the cost of safe disposal and public awareness campaigns.
Moving forward, the FAL says it is reinforcing preventive measures to avoid similar incidents.
“All importers, manufacturers, and distributors are now required to register their food products and business premises with the Food Authority before marketing or selling them in Liberia,” Madam Cherue emphasized.
She further noted that every food item, whether imported or locally produced, must undergo mandatory safety testing to ensure compliance with Liberia’s food safety standards before approval for sale.
Commitment to Public Health
The Food Authority of Liberia reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health, emphasizing that the recall underscores the government’s dedication to maintaining consumer confidence and ensuring the integrity of food products available on the Liberian market.
“Our mission remains clear,” Madam Cherue concluded. “We will continue to strengthen our food surveillance systems to safeguard the health and well-being of every Liberian.”
