'Stay vigilant over food safety this Christmas' - FDA tells public to check expiry dates, packaging

Mr. Daniel Yao Geraldo, Public Relations Officer for the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in the Ashanti Region, has urged consumers and food sellers to be extra vigilant about food expiry dates and packaging integrity as the Christmas season approaches.

Speaking on behalf of the FDA, Mr. Geraldo advised buyers to always take the following precautionary measures before purchasing;

He said, they should check expiry and manufacture dates before purchasing, verify product origin and ensure the FDA stamp or mark of registration is present, inspect packaging for proper seals and secure tying to avoid products with torn or poorly sealed packages.

He also urged costumers to refuse tinned or canned goods with rust, dents or signs of tampering, and prefer products from reputable sellers and manufacturers.

He disclosed this in an interview with the media following the FDA's engagement with food product sellers whose items are made using milling machines. He warned that worn or poorly maintained milling equipment can introduce heavy metals into food over time, contaminating products such as corn dough and tom brown. He also announced that the FDA is currently planning to engage milling machine operators directly to ensure they adopt responsible practices.

The FDA official also drew attention to contamination risks linked to maize- and rice-based products, such as corn dough and tom brown. He warned that some local mill operators use worn machinery or parts containing heavy metals, which can gradually contaminate food and pose serious health risks.

Mr. Geraldo emphasized the health implications of ignoring FDA guidelines, noting that consuming expired or contaminated food can damage the body’s systems and lead to long-term illness. He urged mill operators, sellers and the public to cooperate with the FDA’s inspections and safety measures, adding that operators must be “very vigilant” and work with regulators to protect consumers.

Ending his speech, Mr Geraldo said, the authority encourages anyone who observes suspicious or unsafe food products to report them to the FDA for investigation.