FDA shuts down 44 food manufacturing facilities over safety breaches

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has shut down 44 food manufacturing facilities, including sachet water producers and cold stores, as part of a nationwide enforcement exercise aimed at strengthening compliance with Ghana's food safety regulations.

The latest inspections, conducted in the Ga East and Ga West Municipalities on Wednesday, July 22, uncovered several unlicensed food processing facilities operating under unhygienic conditions, while others were found to be producing food without the required regulatory approvals.

The enforcement operation forms part of the FDA's nationwide campaign to strengthen regulatory oversight, eliminate non-compliant food establishments and protect consumers from unsafe food products.

According to the Authority, the inspections target manufacturers that fail to meet licensing requirements, hygiene standards and food safety regulations.

The FDA says the exercise demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that only legally registered and compliant food businesses operate in Ghana.

Speaking to journalists after the inspection exercise, the FDA's Head of Communications, Mrs Rhoda Ewurabena Appiah, confirmed that dozens of facilities had been shut down for violating food safety regulations.

Several facilities have been closed down," she said, adding that the Authority remains committed to protecting public health by taking decisive action against operators who disregard regulatory requirements.

The Authority indicated that many of the affected businesses were operating without valid licences, while others failed to maintain acceptable sanitary conditions.

Among the facilities closed was Virgen Natural Mineral Water, a sachet water manufacturing company located at Ashongman in the Ga East Municipality.

FDA inspectors found that the company was operating without the required licence to manufacture sachet drinking water.

The Authority ordered the immediate closure of the facility pending compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.

The FDA has urged all food manufacturers, processors and distributors to obtain the necessary licences and approvals before commencing operations.

It warned that businesses that fail to comply with food safety regulations risk enforcement actions, including:

• Closure of facilities.
• Regulatory sanctions.
• Possible prosecution under Ghana's food safety laws.

The Authority stressed that compliance with licensing and hygiene standards is essential to protecting consumers and maintaining confidence in Ghana's food industry.

The nationwide enforcement exercise underscores the FDA's determination to improve food safety standards across the country by ensuring that food manufacturing facilities operate within the law.

By removing unlicensed and non-compliant operators from the market, the Authority aims to reduce public health risks, strengthen consumer protection and promote a culture of regulatory compliance within Ghana's food manufacturing sector.

The FDA has indicated that inspections and enforcement activities will continue across the country as part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and improve food safety standards nationwide.