The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a food safety alert warning the public against consuming or purchasing food products retrieved from floodwaters following the recent flooding that hit Accra and other affected areas on June 29.
In a statement issued on July 2, the FDA said it had observed that some unidentified individuals have been retrieving various items, including food products, from floodwaters and other sites. Some of these individuals have also been seen on social media purporting to distribute such items to unsuspecting members of the public, including students.
The FDA said it 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 have been strongly advised not to accept, consume, sell, offer for sale, or distribute any food or other regulated products recovered from floodwaters.
Floodwaters often carry sewage, chemicals, other waste, and harmful microorganisms that can contaminate food, drinking water, food preparation surfaces, and food storage facilities. The floods have therefore increased the risk of food and water contamination, creating conditions that can lead to foodborne illnesses and outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, and other diseases.
The FDA advised the public to discard any food that has come into contact with floodwater, drink only safe water and boil water for at least five minutes if its safety is uncertain, wash hands thoroughly with soap and safe water before preparing food and before eating, clean and disinfect all food preparation surfaces and utensils exposed to floodwater, and keep raw and cooked foods separate to prevent cross-contamination.
The FDA said it is working closely with relevant agencies to monitor the safety of food supplies in affected communities and will take necessary regulatory actions to protect public health.
The public has been urged to report any suspected sale or distribution of flood-damaged or unsafe food products to the FDA via all social media handles or by calling 055112224/5.
"If you are not sure, don't eat! Don't purchase!" the FDA emphasised.
