Officials from the Food and Drugs Authority, FDA, have clarified the Authority’s recent food safety activities, emphasising that their actions are not aimed at targeting food vendors, but rather protecting public health.
Speaking on Beach FM’s Western Echo, the Western Regional Regulatory Officer, Francis Egyiri, explained that the FDA is currently focused on sensitising the public on proper food storage, especially when it comes to leftover foods.
The goal is to reduce foodborne illnesses and prevent cases of food poisoning.
He stressed that the initiative is not a witch-hunt, but part of the FDA’s core mandate to ensure that products consumed by the public meet safety and quality standards.
Mr. Egyiri also urged food vendors and service establishments to comply with labelling and hygiene regulations, noting that the Authority is working to prevent situations where poor practices result in avoidable health complications and high treatment costs for consumers.
He further highlighted that the FDA’s work is not limited to food safety, but also includes ensuring the efficacy, safety, and quality of medicines available on the market.
The Public Relations Officer, Solomon Bonney of the Authority urged food vendors and the public to prioritise proper food storage and hygiene, especially when it comes to leftover food
This clarification comes amid concerns that the FDA is discouraging the sale of any food that isn’t freshly prepared.
Mr. Bonney explained that their message to “stop selling leftover food” does not mean all leftover food is unsafe.
Instead, the focus is on ensuring that leftovers are stored and preserved properly to prevent contamination and foodborne illness.
He noted that some vendors fail to store food correctly, increasing the risk of health issues for consumers.
However, if food is handled safely and kept in hygienic conditions, it can be reused the following day without posing a health risk.
Mr. Solomon Bonney again stressed that anyone intending to sell food commercially must first receive approval from the Authority.
He explained that although street food regulation was initially handled by the local assemblies, the government has now mandated the FDA to collaborate with these assemblies to strengthen oversight.
Under this arrangement, the FDA is responsible for regulating restaurants and food service establishments, while street food vendors are regulated jointly by the FDA and the metropolitan, municipal, or district assemblies.
As part of the requirements, food vendors must undergo a food handling test through their local assemblies, after which they are issued a health screening card and a hygiene permit to confirm they are fit to serve food to the public.
Tony Krapa
