FDB worried about adverts of uncertified items

Takoradi, May 26, GNA- The Reverend Jonathan Mantey, Head of Finance and Administration of the Food and Drugs Board (FDB), expressed worry that efforts by the Board to compel radio stations to stop advertising uncertified drugs and items did not yield positive results.

He said the Board would, therefore, adopt more effective strategies to check the "seemingly uncontrollable adverts" of unapproved drugs and food items to the detriment of the health of the people. Rev Mantey was speaking at a day's workshop to sensitise the public on the use Iodated Salt at Takoradi on Thursday.

Personnel of law enforcement agencies and representatives from the Environmental Health Division of the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union attended the workshop. Rev. Mantey urged the media to assist in checking the sale of unhealthy drugs and food items to the public.

He expressed regret that even though workshops had been organised for FM radio presenters on the dangers of advertising uncertified items in the media, some radio stations continued to indulge in the practice. Rev. Mantey called for the strict adherence to the district assembly bye-laws seeking to regulate activities of food vendors to improve the health of the people.

Mr. Emmanuel Quaye, Senior Regulatory Officer of the Board, said a trainer of trainers programme has been organised by the FDB to educate the people on the need to verify the wholesomeness of drugs and food items before buying them.

Participants discussed packaging, transportation, storage, labelling and distribution of food and drugs and the importance of iodated salt to the health of the people.