‘Tsofi’ Still Banned Everywhere in Ghana – FDA Warns

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has once again warned Ghanaians to stay away from turkey tail, locally known as “Tsofi,” despite its continued popularity in markets and food joints across the country.

The reminder was issued on Monday, May 11, 2026, on FDA’s Facebook page. The authority raised concerns over the ongoing sale and consumption of the product, which has been banned since 1999. The FDA explained that the ban covers turkey tail and other poultry products containing more than 15% fat, due to serious health risks linked to their consumption.

“Turkey tail popularly called “Tsofi”, and other poultry products with over 15% fat have been banned in Ghana since 1999 due to serious health risk. The FDA therefore advises the public to stay away from these products”, the FDA stated clearly in its notice.

The ban was first introduced in 1999 by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, which instructed all importers to stop bringing in poultry products with high fat content. Following that decision, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture also stopped issuing permits for turkey tail imports. This policy is further supported by food safety regulations under GES 91 (2015), which requires that dressed poultry or poultry parts must not exceed 15% fat content.

Turkey tail is known locally by different names such as “tsofi,” “choffi,” and “chofi,” and continues to attract buyers because of its taste and affordability.

Despite the ban, “Tsofi” remains widely sold and consumed, especially in markets and roadside food spots. The fatty turkey tail is often deep-fried and for years, has held its place on the plates of many Ghanaians across the country. It is often served alongside meals like fried yam, kenkey, banku and among others. Its rich taste has made it hard to resist for many.

Yet behind that popular appeal lies a long-standing concern. For more than two decades now, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has officially banned the poultry product.

Explaining its appeal, the FDA’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of the Food division, Roderick Daddey Adjei, noted: “It smells nice because its oil and it will have that nice flavor.”

However, health experts warn that regular consumption of such high-fat products can lead to obesity, high cholesterol, and heart-related diseases. The FDA says the continued sale of the product undermines public health efforts and healthy eating campaigns.

The authority is therefore urging the public to make informed food choices, avoid banned poultry products, and prioritize healthier alternatives. It also stressed that the ban remains in force and will continue to be enforced in the interest of public health.