Don't consume any food or product retrieved from June 29 flood waters — FDA cautions public
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned the public against accepting, consuming, selling or distributing any food or regulated products retrieved from floodwaters following the June 29 floods in Accra and other affected areas.
The Authority said it has observed some unidentified individuals recovering food products and other items from floodwaters, with some also using social media to indicate plans to distribute the items to unsuspecting members of the public, including students.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, July 2, the FDA warned that such products could be contaminated and pose serious health risks, urging the public to avoid them completely.
"The FDA 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," the statement said.
"Members of the public are therefore strongly advised not to accept, consume, sell, offer for sale, or distribute any food or other regulated products recovered from floodwaters," the statement added.
The Authority explained that floodwaters often contain sewage, chemicals, waste and harmful microorganisms capable of contaminating food, drinking water and food preparation surfaces, thereby increasing the risk of diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever and dysentery.
It advised the public to discard any food that has come into contact with floodwater, drink only safe water, boil water if its safety is uncertain, wash hands thoroughly before handling food and disinfect all food preparation and storage areas exposed to floodwater.
The FDA said it is working with relevant agencies to monitor the safety of food supplies in affected communities.
The Authority urged the public to report any suspected sale or distribution of flood-damaged food products through its offices or official communication channels.