FDA warns against eating or selling food recovered from Accra floodwaters

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a strong public health warning urging Ghanaians not to accept, consume, purchase, sell or distribute food and other regulated products recovered from floodwaters following the devastating floods that affected parts of Accra and surrounding communities on June 29, 2026.

The Authority says flood-damaged food products may be contaminated with dangerous substances and disease-causing organisms, posing a serious threat to public health and increasing the risk of outbreaks of waterborne and foodborne diseases.

The warning comes as authorities intensify efforts to prevent secondary health emergencies in the aftermath of the floods, which left several communities submerged, displaced thousands of residents and caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure.

In a public notice dated July 2, 2026, and signed by its Chief Executive Officer, the FDA disclosed that it had observed unidentified individuals retrieving food items and other regulated products from floodwaters and flood-affected locations.

According to the Authority, some of these individuals have also been seen in videos circulating on social media distributing the recovered items to unsuspecting members of the public, including students.

The FDA stressed that it cannot guarantee the safety, quality or suitability of any products exposed to floodwaters, warning that such items may have become contaminated during the flooding or through improper handling.

The Authority therefore advised the public to reject any food products whose origin or safety cannot be verified.

The FDA explained that floodwaters often contain sewage, industrial chemicals, refuse, fuel, animal waste and harmful microorganisms capable of contaminating food, drinking water and food preparation areas.

Exposure to contaminated food or water, it said, could lead to serious illnesses, including cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery and other gastrointestinal infections.

The Authority warned that flood conditions significantly increase the likelihood of disease outbreaks if proper food safety and hygiene practices are not observed.

To reduce health risks, the FDA has advised residents in affected communities to immediately discard any food or beverages that have come into contact with floodwater.

The Authority also urged the public to drink only clean and safe water. Where the safety of drinking water cannot be guaranteed, residents should boil it for at least five minutes before use.

Additionally, Ghanaians have been encouraged to practise good personal hygiene by washing their hands thoroughly with soap and safe water before preparing meals, before eating and after handling any materials exposed to floodwaters.

The FDA further recommended that all kitchen surfaces, utensils, refrigerators and food storage areas affected by floodwater be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before being used again.

To minimise the risk of cross-contamination, raw foods should always be kept separate from cooked foods during storage and preparation.

The Authority said it is working closely with other government institutions and public health agencies to monitor food safety in communities affected by the floods.

It assured the public that regulatory inspections and enforcement activities are ongoing to prevent contaminated food products from entering the market and to safeguard consumers.

The FDA added that it will not hesitate to take the necessary regulatory action against individuals or businesses found selling or distributing unsafe or flood-damaged food products.

As part of efforts to protect public health, the FDA has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected sale, distribution or donation of food products recovered from floodwaters.

Members of the public can report such incidents, as well as other food safety concerns, through the Authority's official social media platforms or by calling 0551112224 or 0551112225.

Reiterating its warning, the FDA urged Ghanaians to prioritise their health by avoiding any food products of doubtful safety.

"If you are not sure, don't eat! Don't purchase!" the Authority cautioned.