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Tanzania: TFDA Warns users of Baobab Oil
THE Tanzania Food and Drug Authority (TFDA) yesterday warned the public against drinking baobab oil, saying it contains substances that have carcinogenic effects.
Ms Simwanza said after testing the baobab oil it was found containing harmful chemicals which should not be orally taken by human beings, until the chemical is extracted.
She said the technology to extract the harmful chemicals is not available in the country at the moment and until then the public should stop drinking the oil," she explained.
TDFA, however, said people may continue using baobab oil as a cosmetic and not medication purposes.
Speaking at the 37th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) TFDA Spokesperson Ms Gaudensia Simwanza said the public should refrain from drinking baobab oil.
"We are witnessing a big influx of vendors selling baobab oil, parading it as a 'cure-all' concoction. We want the public to know that they are drinking it at their own peril...it contains some fatty acids that have carcinogenic effects," she said.
The Deputy Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Seif Rashid, said the government would step up public education to sensitise the people against use of drugs without prescription by competent medics.