The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has shut down 44 food manufacturing facilities, including sachet water production companies and cold stores, following a nationwide enforcement exercise aimed at ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
The latest operation, conducted in the Ga East and Ga West Municipalities, resulted in the closure of several facilities found to be operating without valid licences, failing to meet hygiene standards, or producing food products without the required regulatory approvals.
Among the facilities affected is Virgen Natural Mineral Water, a sachet water manufacturing company located at Ashongman in the Ga East Municipality, which was closed down for operating without the necessary FDA licence.
The FDA’s Head of Communications, Mrs Rhoda Ewurabena Appiah, who spoke to the media after the enforcement exercise on Wednesday, July 22, said the Authority would continue to take strict action against businesses that compromise food safety standards.
She explained that the closures formed part of the FDA’s mandate to protect public health by ensuring that only licensed and compliant food businesses are allowed to operate.
“Several facilities have been closed down,” Mrs Appiah said, adding that the FDA remains committed to enforcing regulations across the country.
The Authority’s inspections revealed that some operators were working under unhygienic conditions, while others had not obtained the necessary approvals before beginning production.
The FDA has urged food manufacturers and operators to comply with all safety requirements, including securing the appropriate licences and maintaining acceptable hygiene practices, to avoid sanctions.
The Authority has assured the public that it will continue its monitoring and enforcement activities to safeguard consumers and improve food safety standards nationwide.
