The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a strong warning to the public against accepting, consuming, selling or distributing food and other regulated products that have been retrieved from floodwaters following the recent widespread flooding in Accra and other affected areas.
In a food safety alert dated Thursday, 2 July, the Authority expressed concern over reports that some individuals were collecting food items and other goods from floodwaters after the 29 June floods, with intentions to distribute them, including to students.
The FDA cautioned that such products pose a serious public health risk and cannot be guaranteed safe for human consumption due to likely contamination.
According to the Authority, floodwaters often contain sewage, chemicals, waste materials and disease-causing microorganisms, which significantly increase the risk of contamination and outbreaks of illnesses such as cholera, typhoid fever and dysentery.
It therefore advised residents in affected areas to dispose of any food items that have come into contact with floodwater, stressing that such products are unsafe regardless of appearance.
The FDA further recommended that only safe and treated water should be consumed, adding that water of uncertain quality should be boiled for at least five minutes before use.
The Authority also urged the public to observe strict hygiene practices, including thorough handwashing, cleaning and disinfecting of utensils and food preparation surfaces exposed to floodwater, and proper separation of raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination.
Additionally, it encouraged consumers to be vigilant when purchasing food items and to report suspected flood-damaged products to its offices or via its hotline numbers 0551112224 and 0551112225.
The FDA said it is working with relevant state agencies to intensify monitoring and enforce food safety regulations in affected communities to protect public health.
“If you are not sure, don’t eat. Don’t purchase,” the Authority cautioned.
