FDA warns against consuming flood-damaged food and beverages in Ghana

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in Ghana has issued a warning against the consumption and sale of food and beverages exposed to recent flooding. The authority reported that some traders have been washing, cleaning, and repackaging flood-damaged products to resell them to consumers.

Following a complaint, FDA officials investigated a beverage distributor whose shop in Alajo was flooded. The investigation revealed that affected products were moved to a residence in Bubiashie, where approximately one truckload of mud-covered bottled water and soft drinks was being prepared for resale. These items were seized for safe destruction.

The FDA cautioned that floodwater often contains sewage, household waste, and other hazardous substances. Even if the exterior of a bottle or shrink-wrapped package appears clean, the seals, caps, and packaging may have been compromised, allowing contaminants to enter. Consuming such products increases the risk of water-borne diseases, including cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.

Consumers are advised to avoid any products showing mud stains, watermarks, or damaged labels, caps, or seals. The authority also urged the public to be cautious when purchasing goods from unusual locations or bulk sellers with unverifiable sources.