The Central Regional Director of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ms. Francisca Abena Asubonteng Anokye, has cautioned the public to be vigilant during the Christmas festivities to avoid consuming expired or unsafe products that could endanger their health.
She noted that in the rush to celebrate and seek enjoyment during festive seasons such as Christmas, many consumers lower their guard, making them vulnerable to the purchase and consumption of expired, contaminated, or poisonous food and drinks.
Addressing the media at a press briefing in Cape Coast, Ms. Anokye stressed the importance of vigilance, personal responsibility, and careful inspection of products, particularly paying attention to expiry dates before making purchases.
She further urged consumers to ensure that food outlets operating in open spaces, including bars, pubs, and restaurants, are duly licensed and possess valid FDA food hygiene permits before patronising them.
According to her, the public should prioritise buying food and beverages from stationed and identifiable outlets rather than temporary or mobile vendors, as this makes follow-up and investigations easier in the event of suspected food poisoning or related health complaints.
Ms. Anokye disclosed that recent market surveillance exercises conducted by the FDA in the Central Region have led to a noticeable reduction in the circulation of expired products compared to previous years.
“There has been some improvement because the rate of expired products on the market has reduced,” she stated.
She attributed the progress to intensified monitoring, enforcement, and public education, but cautioned that consumer alertness remains critical to sustaining these gains, especially during high-consumption periods such as the Christmas season.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku