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🇬🇭 Ghana /Crime & Justice

59 food facilities closed over safety breaches in Ghana

From Ghanaian Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in Ghana has closed down 59 food facilities, including unlicensed water producers and cold stores, for hygiene and safety violations.
  • Inspectors found untreated water used in sachet production and poor storage conditions for food products.
  • The FDA emphasizes its commitment to public health, warning businesses that non-compliance risks closure, fines, and prosecution.

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in Ghana has taken decisive action against numerous food businesses, temporarily closing 59 facilities across the Greater Accra Region due to serious hygiene and food safety breaches. The crackdown, part of a nationwide enforcement campaign, targeted both food manufacturing establishments and cold stores.

During recent inspections, FDA officials uncovered alarming practices, including the use of untreated and algae-contaminated water by some sachet water producers. Food products were found stored under unsanitary conditions, and many sachet water operations lacked essential ultraviolet (UV) sterilization systems, posing significant risks to public health. The authority was unable to inspect one facility as operators had apparently fled before inspectors arrived, suggesting they may have received a tip-off.

Mrs. Rhoda Appiah, Head of Communications at the FDA, stressed that the exercise is routine and aims to safeguard public health. She reminded businesses that operating without proper registration or licenses is a violation of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851). The FDA noted that compliance costs, such as registration fees for small-scale operators (often less than GH¢300), are significantly lower than the potential penalties for non-compliance, which can include temporary closure, product confiscation, administrative fines up to GH¢30,000, and possible prosecution.

"We are not anti-business. We want businesses to thrive, but we cannot sacrifice the health and safety of Ghanaians for financial expediency," Mrs. Appiah stated. The FDA urged consumers to purchase only FDA-approved products from licensed manufacturers and to verify that packaged food items carry valid registration numbers. Manufacturers are encouraged to utilize the FDA's digital platform for easier registration and license renewal.

We are not anti-business. We want businesses to thrive, but we cannot sacrifice the health and safety of Ghanaians for financial expediency.

— Mrs. Rhoda AppiahHead of Communications at the FDA, explaining the authority's stance on enforcing regulations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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