FDA Cautions Ghanaians About Fake Products As Christmas Approaches

The Food and Drugs Authority has caution Consumers to ascertain the expiry dates of products before they purchase them to avoid the consumption of unwholesome products.

According to the FDA, many importers take advantage of the Christmas season to bring into the country questionable goods that do not comply with the regulations of the FDA.

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), in anticipation of the arrival of different types of goods, has cautioned importers and retailers in the country against exposing the general public to goods that are near to their expiration date.

The Head of Communications at the authority, James Lartey accused some importers and retailers of putting their profits ahead of the public’s well-being.

He said some shop owners save their unsold food products mainly patronised on festive occasions like Christmas, for the following occasion, explaining that improper storage conditions could destroy the content of the product.

Mr Lartey stressed the importance of food storage, saying that food items exposed directly to sunlight and rain should not be patronized even if their prices are reduced drastically because they could be contaminated.

He, therefore, advised consumers that besides checking the expiry dates of products, they should check the packaging for freshness, bloating, rust, leakage and the instructions on the label, and reject labels that are not written in English.

Mr Lartey further entreat store owners to separate edible items from inedible ones because edible foods could easily be contaminated by other harmful products.

Shop operators should also ensure cleanliness in their shops to prevent rodents and insects from entering to contaminate their goods, he said.

He gave the assurance that the FDA would use all possible means to ensure that only wholesome goods are sold to protect and guarantee the safety of consumers.

He warned that sellers and shop owners arrested with unwholesome goods would have their products destroyed and could also be prosecuted.