The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has announced a major update to its pesticide residue detection limits for manufactured and imported agricultural products, marking a significant step forward in Ghana’s agricultural quality control and public health protection systems.
According to the Authority, the revision follows advancements in scientific research aimed at improving the accuracy and reliability of pesticide residue testing. The development was achieved through a collaborative research initiative led by Quality Control Company Limited (QCC), a subsidiary of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
The research focused on establishing robust analytical methods to detect and quantify pesticide residues, particularly Acetamiprid and Chlorpyrifos, using advanced laboratory technologies such as Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These techniques enabled researchers to determine more precise Limits of Detection (LOD) and Limits of Quantification (LOQ), which now serve as the scientific foundation for the revised standards.
“The updated pesticide detection limits represent a major step toward strengthening Ghana’s food safety monitoring systems and aligning national standards with international best practices,” a technical source involved in the research process explained. “This will improve consumer protection and enhance confidence in locally produced and imported agricultural goods.”
The updated detection limits have been formally adopted by the Ghana Standards Authority as national benchmarks for regulatory compliance. The standards are designed to align Ghana’s food safety controls with international best practices while strengthening consumer protection.
The new limits will apply to more than 500 local and imported agricultural and food products, including cocoa, coffee, maize, vegetables, and a range of processed food items. Authorities say the move will enhance food safety monitoring, improve export competitiveness, and ensure that agricultural products on the Ghanaian market meet stringent safety requirements.
Officials describe the update as a milestone in Ghana’s efforts to modernize its standards infrastructure and reinforce public confidence in the safety and quality of food products available nationwide.