The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a critical alert to the public, warning against the purchase of food and beverage products affected by the recent floods and subsequently washed, cleaned, or repackaged for sale. The FDA’s caution follows a growing number of complaints regarding contamination following flood damage, raising serious concerns about public health risks. The agency stated that floodwater can contain a multitude of contaminants, including sewage, refuse, and other harmful substances, and that washing the exterior of packaging does not guarantee product safety. The FDA’s investigation revealed a significant volume of bottled water and soft drinks, with mud covering the packs and bottles, seized and to be safely disposed of.
According to the FDA, the distributor Alajo at the Alajo shop was the primary source of the problem. The distributor allegedly moved the affected products to a residence at Bubiashie, where they were being washed and prepared for resale. This relocation triggered a chain of events that resulted in a substantial quantity of flood-damaged beverages being seized, including truckloads. The FDA also noted a similar incident involving a Kaneshie Police complaint, leading to the arrest and granting of bail to the owner of the affected products. A subsequent seizure of similar quantities of flood-damaged beverages was also conducted.
The FDA highlighted that floodwater can compromise bottle caps, seals, and other packaging materials, increasing the risk of contamination and potentially transmitting diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. The agency strongly advises consumers to avoid purchasing products exhibiting mud stains, watermarks, or other signs of damage to the packaging, bottles, caps, or labels. Furthermore, the FDA cautioned against purchasing products from unusual locations or from sellers whose sources are unverified. The public has been urged to be cautious when purchasing products from unexpected sources, particularly in bulk, and to report any suspected flood-damaged food or beverages to the nearest FDA office or police station.
The FDA emphasized that failure to comply with this directive constitutes an offense and could attract sanctions under the law. The FDA is continuing surveillance and enforcement operations throughout flood-affected communities to protect public health. The agency has encouraged the public to report any cases of flood-damaged food or beverages to their local FDA office or police station. Members of the public have been reminded to be vigilant and to prioritize their safety when handling potentially contaminated food and beverages.
The FDA stated that the situation is being addressed through quarantine procedures and a thorough assessment of the affected areas. The Authority is committed to working with local communities to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and to prevent further contamination. The investigation is ongoing, and the FDA is providing updates to the public as more information becomes available.”
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Source: Adom Online
