The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has cautioned Ghanaians to exercise vigilance when purchasing fresh produce, stressing that food safety begins at the market.
The Assembly’s Public Health Director, Florence Kuukyi, made the remarks in an interview on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM, urging consumers to pay close attention to hygiene practices when buying vegetables such as kontomire and okro.
“Consumers must be vigilant when buying foodstuffs, particularly vegetables,” she said, explaining that the handling process can expose food to contamination.
Mrs Kuukyi raised concerns about how some food items are prepared and sold in markets. She noted that people who request vegetables such as kontomire or okro to be cut for them should observe the conditions under which the food is handled.
“People who ask for kontomire, okro and other items to be cut for them should check the knife being used and the cloth tied around the vendor’s hand,” she explained, adding that food often passes through several hands before reaching the consumer.
She emphasised that ensuring wholesome food starts with careful observation of hygiene practices at the point of purchase.
“Eating wholesome food begins at the market,” she added.
The AMA Public Health Director therefore urged consumers to make informed choices by inspecting how food is handled and prepared in order to reduce the risk of contamination and foodborne illnesses.
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