By Prince Acquah
Cape Coast, Dec. 23, GNA – The Central Regional office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has entreated the public to be vigilant when buying prepackaged foods in plastics, cans, bottles and boxes for the Christmas festivity.
Ms Francisca Anokye, the Regional Head of FDA, said the sale of expired products and contrabands to unsuspecting consumers was common during festive seasons and for that reason people must shop cautiously.
She, therefore, warned consumers to be on the lookout for expired products and those not labelled in English as they had not been approved for consumption by the Authority.
While the FDA made efforts to clamp down on such products, it behoved consumers to be proactive to protect their health, Ms Anokye told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview on Monday.
“As rational consumers, we are always tempted to go for the less expensive products, especially around this time, but we should know that our health and lives are more important,” she said.
“And so, we should be on the lookout when purchasing prepackaged foods.”
Ms Anokye implored the public to only patronise restaurants, pubs or bars, which had secured food hygiene permits, an indication that the FDA had undertaken inspections of the kitchen of those facilities.
“We should also practice good hand washing, particularly in the wake of cholera outbreak, which has claimed many lives in the country over the past few weeks.”
However, the Authority, with the collaboration of its partners, made significant progress in their activities this year in the face of many challenges, she said.
For instance, more than 90 per cent of pubs, restaurants, and transport terminals monitored complied with the directive to post “no smoking” signs as enjoined by the smoke-free tobacco law.
“I acknowledge the valuable collaboration and support from diverse sectors, including healthcare professionals, the food and pharmaceutical industries, regulatory agencies, and consumers, in safeguarding the safety and quality of food and drugs in the Central Region, which significantly contributes to the overall vision of the Authority,” she stated.
Ms Anokye reaffirmed the FDA’s commitment and its partners to protecting public health and safety through careful regulation, public education, and law enforcement in the years ahead.
GNA