The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a public health alert warning Ghanaians against accepting, consuming, selling or distributing any food or regulated products recovered from floodwaters, following the devastating floods that hit Accra and other affected areas on 29 June 2026.
Some of these individuals, the Authority noted, had also been seen on social media purporting to distribute such items to unsuspecting members of the public, including students.
The FDA said it could not vouch for the safety or quality of these products, as they may have been contaminated by floodwaters and mishandling, posing a serious risk to public health.
The Authority explained that floodwaters often carry sewage, chemicals, other waste and harmful microorganisms that can contaminate food, drinking water, food preparation surfaces and storage facilities. It warned that the floods had therefore increased the risk of food and water contamination, creating conditions that could lead to foodborne illnesses and outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever and dysentery.
The FDA outlined a number of precautions for the public, including discarding any food that has come into contact with floodwater, drinking only safe water, and boiling water for at least five minutes if its safety is uncertain.
Members of the public were also advised to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and safe water before preparing food, before eating, and after handling flood-contaminated materials, as well as to clean and disinfect all food preparation surfaces, utensils, refrigerators and storage areas that may have been exposed to floodwater. Raw and cooked foods should also be kept separate to prevent cross-contamination.
The Authority said it is working closely with relevant agencies to monitor the safety of food supplies in affected communities and will take the 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, as well as any irregularities, to the FDA via its social media handles or by calling 0551112224/5.
“If you are not sure, don’t eat! Don’t purchase!” the Authority cautioned.
