FDA confiscates fish after viral Tema Newtown video exposed poor hygiene standards

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has confiscated smoked and salted fish following a viral video and media reports by GhanaWeb that exposed unhygienic fish handling at Tema Newtown.

The action follows a video shared by the volunteer group, Buzzstop Boys, as well as follow-up interviews by GhanaWeb, which raised concerns about the storage of fish near a refuse dump where open defecation was also taking place.

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Responding to the video in a statement issued on July 28, 2026, the FDA said it had taken notice of the incident and immediately initiated action.

"The attention of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has been drawn to a viral video of individuals processing smoked and salted (dried) fish under unhygienic conditions," the Authority said.

According to the Authority, similar incidents had occurred in the past, and it had consistently worked with relevant agencies to protect public health and safety.

"These instances have come up once in a while in the past, and the FDA had always collaborated with relevant agencies to protect public health and safety," it stated.

The FDA said a rapid response team was dispatched to the area on July 27, 2026, in collaboration with the Tema Metropolitan Assembly and the Ghana Police Service.

It added that the operation led to the confiscation of fish exposed to unhygienic conditions, while fish processors were educated on the health risks associated with poor handling practices.

FDA indicated that further engagements would be carried out with fish processors and fishmongers in coastal districts to promote proper hygiene standards.

The Authority advised the public to buy smoked and dried fish only from clean and reputable sources. It also urged consumers to inspect fish before buying, avoid products that appear contaminated or have unusual colour, offensive odour or signs of spoilage, and wash smoked or dried fish thoroughly before cooking.

The FDA assured the public that it would continue to remove unsafe fish products from the market while intensifying education and enforcement.

"The FDA assures the public that, together with the collaborating agencies, unsafe fish and fish products will be removed from the market. Education and enforcement activities would also be strengthened," the statement said.

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The Authority further urged the public to report any unhygienic food processing, storage or sale to the nearest FDA office or local assembly.

MAG/VPO

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