The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in the Western Region is intensifying its food safety campaign, urging all food vendors to obtain the mandatory Street Food Vendor Permit or face legal sanctions.
The permit, introduced in 2022 under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), is designed to improve sanitary conditions among roadside and mobile food operators, safeguarding the health of the millions of Ghanaians who depend on such meals every day.
At a sensitization engagement organized by Food and Agriculture of United Nations in collaboration with FDA as we observe the Food Safety Day, food vendors and caterers in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, the Western Regional Director of the FDA, Dr. Matthew Kusi, warned that traders who operate without the permit risk prosecution.
“Many Ghanaians rely on street food daily, making it critical to enforce strict hygiene standards to protect lives and we will not compromise on this,” he emphasized.
Dr. Kusi condemned the use of unwholesome vegetables in food preparation and urged vendors to cook in clean environments.
He also raised concerns about the increasing use of commercial fufu milling machines, describing them as potential health hazards.
According to him, it is safer for households to own personal milling machines than to depend on commercial ones that could expose consumers to contamination.
He further disclosed that the FDA is working closely with environmental health officers to monitor and enforce compliance across the region.
The Metropolitan Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Daniel Lamptey, commended the FDA for the education drive but warned of strict enforcement for defaulters.
“It is safer to obtain the food vendor permit and maintain a healthy environment than to be hauled before court. We have prosecuted offenders before, and we will not hesitate to do so again,” Mr. Lamptey said.
Vendors who fail to comply risk sanctions, including fines or up to three months’ imprisonment.
Some participants described the engagement as an eye-opener, pledging to comply with the advice given.
The public was also encouraged to report unhygienic food practices or suspected cases of food contamination to environmental health officers or directly to the FDA for swift action.
