The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned the Ghanaian public not to accept, consume, sell, or distribute food recovered from floodwaters following the June 29 flooding in Accra.
According to the FDA, the warning follows viral videos of some unidentified individuals retrieving items, including food products, from floodwaters and other locations after the flooding on June 29.
The FDA asserted that certain individuals on social media are claiming they intend to distribute the recovered items to members of the public, including students.
In a food safety alert issued on Thursday, July 2, the FDA warned that it cannot vouch for the safety or quality of these products, as they may have been contaminated by floodwaters.
The FDA urged the public to avoid any food or regulated products recovered from floodwaters.
Parts of the FDA statement read, “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”.
“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 FDA said.
“The floods have, therefore, increased the risk of food and water contamination, creating conditions that can lead to foodborne illnesses and outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, etc.,” the statement said.
“Discard any food that has come into contact with floodwater. Drink only safe water. Boil water for at least five (5) minutes if its safety is uncertain,” the FDA said.
“The FDA strongly advises the public to be wary when purchasing food products and report any suspected sale or distribution of flood-damaged or unsafe food products to the FDA,” it said.
“The FDA 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 statement added.
“If you are not sure, don’t eat. Don’t purchase,” the FDA said.
In related news, Linda Ocloo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, has shockingly claimed the region is fully prepared to handle any further heavy rainfall.
According to Linda Ocloo, the Greater Accra region is fully prepared to handle any further heavy rainfall, adding that a series of measures have been put in place following the devastating floods that hit the capital after the June 29 downpour.
Linda Ocloo disclosed that district assembly directors across the region have been tasked with educating the public on what to expect and the necessary precautions to take during future downpours.
She further disclosed that President Mahama has directed Municipal and District Chief Executives to intensify efforts to desilt and dredge gutters.
Speaking in an interview with Joy News, Linda Ocloo stated, “Oh yes, we are prepared. We’ve tasked all the directors of the district assemblies to educate people on what to expect and the actions to take during future downpours. So we are ever ready”.
“His Excellency the President has given his direction. A chunk of the MCEs and DCEs are desilting and dredging the gutters in their areas. The task force at their various places is trying to make sure that they take care of the debris”.
“There is also going to be a demolition exercise because we’ve earmarked some of the houses that we think need to be demolished so that we can make way for the easy flow of water when it rains. So we wouldn’t have such a disaster anymore,” she added.
@ghnow_ A man shares footage of the aftermath of Monday’s devastating floods in the Alajo area, as residents and property owners struggle to recover from their losses. GHNow is appealing to the public to join us in supporting these victims. We are currently collecting clothes, food items, toiletries, bedding, and other essential household items to help affected families rebuild their lives. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a difference. 📞 To donate or make enquiries, please contact 054 870 4918. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Real Bevlin 💕❤️
@ghnow_ 💔 A Call for Help: Let’s Support the Flood Victims at Santa Maria Many families in Santa Maria have lost everything after the recent floods. Homes have been destroyed, and countless people are now without clothes and other basic necessities. GHNow is appealing to the public to join us in supporting these victims. We are currently collecting clothes, food items, toiletries, bedding, and other essential household items to help affected families rebuild their lives. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a difference. 📞 To donate or make enquiries, please contact 054 870 4918. Together, let’s bring hope and relief to those who need it most. Please share this post to help us reach more people. #GHNow #FloodRelief #SantaMariaFlood #SupportFloodVictims #DonateToday ♬ original sound – GHnow
