Food status threatens health

Accra, July 19, GNA - Mr Emmanuel K. Agyarko, Chief Executive Officer, Food and Drugs Board (FDB), on Wednesday said until an integrated approach to food safety was implemented by FDB, Metropolitan and District Assemblies and other stakeholders, the health status of the majority of Ghanaians would remain compromised.

He said the inappropriate handling of food was a threat to the health of most Ghanaians saying; "our street vended food probably pose more risk to our health than malaria=94.

Mr Agyarko was speaking at a press conference in Accra to address consumer concerns raised by the general public on the quality and wholesomeness of food regulation.

He questioned which institution was responsible for the implementation of food safety and hygiene bye-law, and whether provisions were made to ensure that food sold on the markets were sold under hygienic condition?

"Why is it that domestic animals compete with human beings in our markets, when the bye-laws do not permit it? Why should market tolls be collected by District Assemblies from traders, who sell in filthy markets?" He asked.

Mr Agyarko cautioned the media to avoid using sensational headlines for consumer alerts to create panic among the general public but they should rather follow guidelines specified for risk communication. On the role of manufacturers to ensure product safety, Mr Agyarko tasked them to ensure that their products satisfied quality and safety requirements.

He said the Board alone could not deploy inspection officers to monitor manufacturing companies at a time, hence the need for manufacturers to play their expected role to ensure safe and effective products for consumers.

He urged manufacturers to adhere to the provisions made by the FDB Law, PNDCL 305B and to register with the Board, for it to verify technical information on product assessment such as labelling, manufacturing facilities, processes and raw materials. "Before you decide to sell some products, the law says that registration of that product must go through the right channel before it's gets to the markets", he said.

Mr Agyarko explained that locally manufactured pharmaceuticals could not be registered and approved for use unless the manufacturing plant was GMP compliant; adding that imported ones could also not be registered unless the Board had inspected the manufacturing facility for compliance.

"We have asked local manufacturers to indicate the product registration numbers on the label to guide consumers in making the appropriate choice; this requirement will in the near future be applied to registered imported products," he said. He urged consumers to lodge complaints with appropriate bodies when they suspected the presence of unwholesome or dubious product on the market, saying it was their civic responsibility. 19 July 06