The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned the public not to accept, consume, sell or distribute food and other regulated products recovered from floodwaters following the recent floods in Accra and other affected areas.
The Authority said the warning became necessary after observing individuals retrieving food products from floodwaters and indicating on social media that they intended to distribute them to the public, including students.
FDA Raises Safety Concerns
In a food safety alert issued on Thursday, July 2, the FDA said it could not guarantee the safety or quality of products recovered from floodwaters.
According to the Authority, such products may have been contaminated by floodwater and mishandled, posing serious health risks.
“The FDA cannot vouch for the safety or quality of these products, as they may have been contaminated by floodwaters and mishandling, which could pose a serious risk to public health,” the statement said.
The FDA therefore urged the public not to accept, consume, sell or distribute any food or regulated products recovered from floodwaters.
Risk of Disease Outbreaks
The Authority explained that floodwaters often contain sewage, chemicals, waste and harmful microorganisms that can contaminate food, drinking water and food preparation surfaces.
It warned that the recent flooding has increased the risk of food and water contamination, creating conditions that could lead to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever and dysentery.
Advice to the Public
The FDA advised residents in flood-affected communities to throw away any food that has come into contact with floodwater.
It also urged the public to drink only safe water and to boil water for at least five minutes if there is any doubt about its safety.
The Authority further encouraged good hygiene by asking people to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and safe water before preparing food, before eating and after handling flood-contaminated materials.
Residents were also advised to clean and disinfect food preparation surfaces, utensils, refrigerators and storage areas exposed to floodwater. The FDA also urged households to keep raw and cooked foods separate to prevent cross-contamination.
Report Unsafe Food
The FDA called on consumers to be vigilant when purchasing food products and to report anyone selling or distributing flood-damaged food.
It said it is working with relevant agencies to monitor food safety in affected communities and will take the necessary regulatory action to protect public health.
The Authority asked the public to report suspicious activities or unsafe food products through its social media platforms or by calling 0551112224 or 0551112225.
In its final advice, the FDA urged consumers not to take chances with food whose safety cannot be guaranteed.
“If you are not sure, don’t eat. Don’t purchase,” the Authority stated.
