The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a strong warning to the public not to accept, consume, sell, or distribute any food or regulated products recovered from floodwaters following the recent flooding in parts of the Greater Accra Region.
In a food safety alert, the FDA said it had observed some individuals retrieving food items from floodwaters and affected sites after the June 29 floods.
Some of these individuals have reportedly been posting on social media, saying they plan to distribute the recovered items to unsuspecting members of the public, including students.
The Authority stressed that it cannot guarantee the safety or quality of such products, as they may have been contaminated by floodwaters and improperly handled.
“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.
“Members of the public are therefore strongly advised not to accept, consume, sell, offer for sale, or distribute any food or other regulated products recovered from floodwaters,” the statement read in parts.
The FDA explained that floodwaters often carry sewage, chemicals, waste, and harmful microorganisms that can easily contaminate food, drinking water, preparation surfaces, and storage facilities.
This situation has significantly increased the risk of foodborne illnesses and outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery.
The Authority urged the public to discard any food that has come into contact with floodwater and to only drink safe water. It advised boiling water of uncertain quality for at least five minutes before use.
Additional safety measures recommended by the FDA include frequent handwashing with soap and safe water before preparing or eating food and after handling flood-contaminated materials.
Households should also thoroughly clean and disinfect food preparation surfaces, utensils, refrigerators, and storage areas exposed to floodwater. The Authority further advised keeping raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination.
The FDA called on the public to remain cautious when buying food products and to report any suspected sale or distribution of flood-damaged or unsafe items to its nearest office or through its official social media platforms.
“Report any suspected sale or distribution of flood-damaged or unsafe food products to the FDA.”
The Authority said it is working closely with relevant agencies to monitor food safety in the affected communities and will take the necessary regulatory actions to protect public health.
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