The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has temporarily closed down 44 food manufacturing facilities and 15 cold storage facilities across Ghana for allegedly failing to meet required food safety, hygiene and licensing standards.
The enforcement action forms part of a nationwide food safety crackdown being carried out by the FDA to protect consumers and ensure that businesses involved in the production, processing, storage and sale of food operate in compliance with the law.
The affected facilities include sachet water production companies, food manufacturing establishments and cold storage facilities. The FDA said the businesses were found to have various compliance issues, including operating without the required licences and failing to meet prescribed food safety and hygiene requirements.
Speaking to the media, the Head of Communications at the FDA, Rhoda Ewurabena Appiah, said the exercise began a week ago and had so far focused on selected areas, including the Ga East and Ga West Municipalities.
“We started this operation a week ago to ensure public health and safety. So far, 44 food manufacturing facilities and 15 cold storage facilities have been closed down temporarily,” she stated.
Mrs. Appiah said the exercise would not be limited to the areas already covered, adding that similar operations would be conducted in other parts of the country to identify businesses that pose potential risks to public health.
She urged consumers to be vigilant when purchasing food products and beverages, advising them to look out for the FDA’s approval and, where possible, verify the registration status of products before buying them.
“Consumers should always look out for FDA approval. Where possible, check product registration before you buy,” she advised.
The FDA Communications Head also warned food manufacturers, sachet water producers and operators of cold storage facilities to obtain the necessary licences and comply fully with food safety and hygiene standards.
She cautioned that businesses found operating outside the required regulatory framework would face sanctions, including the temporary closure of their facilities and other measures permitted under the law.
The FDA says the enforcement exercise forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen food safety regulation, improve compliance among food businesses and safeguard the health of consumers across the country.
Story by Ama Frimpomaa
