FDA warns public against buying flood-damaged food and beverages

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a vital warning to the public, urging against the purchase or consumption of flood-damaged food and beverages. This advisory follows heavy flooding in various parts of the country that submerged commercial stocks. On August 13, 2026, the FDA released a public notice highlighting the dangers of consuming products that have been contaminated by floodwater.

Unscrupulous traders have been attempting to wash, clean, repackage, and resell flood-damaged inventory to unsuspecting consumers. The FDA emphasizes that simply washing the exterior of a package does not ensure the safety of the contents, as seals, caps, and packaging can be compromised when submerged. Consuming such items poses a significant risk of contracting water-borne diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery.

The warning comes after a complaint was made about a beverage distributor in Alajo, whose shop was flooded. It was revealed that the distributor secretly transported the affected stock to a residential area in Bubiashie to wash and resell it. FDA officials seized over a truckload of contaminated bottled water and soft drinks from the Bubiashie location, which had been intended for disposal.

Reports indicate that the Ghana Police Service had already investigated the same incident, arrested the business owner, and confiscated similar amounts of contaminated stock.

Under the Public Health Act of 2012 (Act 851), it is illegal to sell, offer for sale, or distribute contaminated, unwholesome, or unfit food products. The FDA reiterates its authority to seize such items and prosecute offenders. The public is advised to avoid food and beverages with mud stains, watermarks, or peeling labels. Consumers should also be cautious of items sold from unusual locations or in bulk without a verifiable source, preferring to buy from licensed and reputable retailers.

Households and shop owners are urged to discard any flood-contaminated stock safely. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are strictly prohibited from washing, repacking, or reselling submerged products. Affected inventory must be quarantined immediately, and the nearest FDA office notified for proper verification and safe disposal. Non-compliance with these regulations is punishable by full sanctions under the law.