Cosmetics oil "unfit for human use"
Dr Hussein Mwinyi said in a statement released on August 9 that the oil was dangerous without proper processing because it contains cyclopropyl fatty acids (CPFA).
CPFAs have been demonstrated by the Tanzanian Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA) to have carcinogenic effects when swallowed. Recent research has shown other health effects including stunted growth and side effects on the kidneys.
He also announced that in future all food, drugs, cosmetic and medical devices would need to be registered with the TFDA, or their users would face legal action.
Studies demonstrate dangerous side effects
Dr Mwinyi said: “Studies that have been conducted on animals around the world indicate the existence of a wide range of health effects from the oils, including reduced growth in mice by 50 percent as well as growth in chicken eggs and side effects in the kidney.”
The decision to release the statement came after a government consultation with prominent regulatory bodies and bodies involved with the cosmetics industry on July 31, including Traditional Medicine Section, Tanzanian Institute for Science and Technology, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Small Industries Development Organization.
A dangerous oil
Baobab oil is extracted from the seeds of the baobab fruit and is frequently used unrefined in organic beauty products. It is also used for a variety of other purposes in South Africa, including massage, treatment of skin diseases and as a “cure-all” medicine.
In July the TFDA warned against drinking unrefined oil, citing the fact that it contains fatty acids which can cause cancer.
In a statement released at the 37th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, TFDA Spokeperson Ms Gaudensia warned consumers against drinking the substance because the technology to extract the dangerous acids is not yet available in Africa.
She said: "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."
