FDA shuts down Virgen Natural Mineral Water in Ashongman

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has shut down Virgen Natural Mineral Water, a sachet water manufacturing facility located at Ashongman in the Ga East Municipality, for operating without the required regulatory licence.

The closure forms part of the FDA's ongoing nationwide special food facilities inspection and enforcement exercise, which is being conducted from July 14 to July 24, 2026, to strengthen compliance with food safety regulations and protect public health.

According to the Authority, the nationwide operation is designed to improve regulatory oversight of food production facilities and identify manufacturers operating outside the country's legal and safety requirements.

The inspection exercise is also intended to ensure that food processing establishments comply with approved standards governing food production, hygiene and quality assurance.

The FDA said the enforcement campaign targets facilities that fail to meet licensing and operational requirements, with the ultimate objective of safeguarding consumers from unsafe food products.

During the operation, inspectors discovered that Virgen Natural Mineral Water was operating without the necessary licence required to manufacture sachet drinking water.

As a result, the Authority ordered the immediate closure of the facility pending compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements.

The FDA reiterated that all food and beverage manufacturers must obtain the appropriate licences and approvals before commencing operations.

The Authority called on food manufacturers, processors and operators across the country to comply fully with licensing and regulatory requirements.

It stressed that obtaining the necessary approvals before beginning production is essential to maintaining food safety standards and protecting public health.

The FDA also encouraged operators to work closely with the Authority to ensure their facilities meet all statutory and quality requirements before entering the market.

The ongoing nationwide inspection exercise underscores the FDA's commitment to enforcing food safety laws and ensuring that only licensed and compliant food establishments operate in Ghana.

By intensifying inspections and enforcement actions, the Authority aims to improve consumer confidence, promote industry compliance and minimise public health risks associated with unregulated food production.

The FDA has indicated that inspections will continue across the country throughout the enforcement period as part of efforts to strengthen food safety standards nationwide.