FDA warns against sale of cleaned, repackaged flood-damaged food and beverages

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a warning against the sale of food and beverages that have been cleaned, repackaged, or otherwise altered following the recent floods. These products may still contain contaminants from the floodwater, posing serious health risks to consumers. The FDA's caution comes in response to complaints about a beverage distributor in Alajo whose shop was flooded, causing them to move contaminated products to a residence where they were washed and prepared for resale.

FDA investigations revealed approximately a truckload of bottled water and soft drinks, saturated with mud. These products have been seized and are set for safe disposal. The Kaneshie Police also received similar complaints, resulting in the arrest and bail of the owner of the affected products. About the same amount of flood-damaged beverages was also seized.

The FDA emphasizes that floodwater can carry sewage, refuse, and other harmful contaminants. Washing the exterior of bottles or packs does not render the contents safe for consumption. Floodwater can compromise bottle caps, seals, and other forms of packaging, increasing the risk of contamination and diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. Therefore, consumers are advised to avoid food and beverages showing signs of water damage, mud stains, or watermarks on packaging, bottles, caps, or labels.

The public is also cautioned against purchasing products from unusual locations or in bulk from unverified sellers. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers affected by the floods are directed not to wash, repackage, relabel, or resell their products. Instead, these items should be quarantined, and the nearest FDA office should be contacted for verification and safe disposal. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with violations punishable under the law.

The FDA will continue monitoring and enforcing operations in flood-affected areas to safeguard public health. The public is urged to report any instances of flood-damaged food or beverages being sold to the nearest FDA office or police station.