The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) is threatening tougher sanctions against food service establishments that flout its food safety regulations.
The Authority has reported several breaches of the Public Health Act, particularly concerning the poor handling of food and food products in the country.
Speaking on the sidelines of a sensitization workshop held in Takoradi, the Western Regional Head of the FDA, John L. Odai-Tettey, disclosed that the Authority has closed down a number of establishments due to regulatory breaches. He added that enforcement will be strengthened to safeguard the health of the consuming public.
“Already a number of the facilities have been closed down because they don’t have the food hygiene permits. There is no way the FDA can vouch for the safety of the products that come out of their facilities,” he said.
“Once you are shut down, your facility will be suspended from undertaking any operations, and administrative charges will be imposed on you, or you may even face prosecution,” he elaborated.
Mr. Odai-Tettey appealed to all food service establishments to contact the FDA and local authorities as a matter of urgency for the necessary testing and permitting, warning that non-compliance could result in closure, fines, or prosecution.
“Consumers are advised to buy food from facilities that have displayed their food hygiene permits. It is for their own safety,” Mr. Odai-Tettey added.
The mandatory Food Hygiene Permit, issued by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), is required for all food service businesses, including restaurants, street vendors, and caterers, to ensure safety standards under Act 851. Under this regulation, operators must pass inspections, submit applications, and display permits, with non-compliance leading to closure and/or fines.
