The South Tongu District Emergency Response Team has closed four sachet water production facilities in Sogakope because their products were found to be contaminated.
These facilities, whose names are not disclosed, are required to immediately recall their products from the market.
An assessment team, comprising personnel from the Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Health Service, and Environmental Health Service, visited 14 sachet water production units in Sogakope, with four of them found to have microbial contamination.
The analysis of water samples indicated elevated levels of mold, yeast, bacteria, and E-Coli, which can pose health risks when consumed.
The affected production units, even though previously registered by the FDA, must rectify the issue under strict supervision.
The FDA emphasized its commitment to preventing businesses from exploiting the flooding situation to their advantage and warned of more stringent penalties, including business closures, for non-compliance.
The FDA and the team will maintain surveillance of sachet water production in the affected areas to avert potential foodborne disease outbreaks.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) continues to assess the environmental impact of the floods, considering ecological, ecosystem, and environmental factors.
The EPA highlighted the heavy pollution of the environment, floodwaters, and surrounding areas due to chemicals from various sources being submerged, including fitting shops, hospitals, clinics, mortuaries, public toilets, and septic tanks.
Evacuated individuals have been advised to remain in safe areas until it is safe to return. Restoration plans will be considered once the safety of the environment is ensured.
