The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in the Western Region has stepped up its food safety campaign, calling on all food vendors to secure the mandatory Street Food Vendor Permit or face prosecution.
The permit, introduced in 2022 under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), is aimed at improving sanitary conditions among roadside and mobile food operators, thereby protecting the health of millions of Ghanaians who rely on street meals daily.
Speaking at a sensitization programme organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in collaboration with the FDA as part of Food Safety Day activities, the Western Regional Director of the FDA, Dr. Matthew Kusi, warned that offenders would be dealt with according to the law.
“Many Ghanaians rely on street food daily, making it critical to enforce strict hygiene standards to protect lives and we will not compromise on this,” he emphasized.
Dr. Kusi condemned the use of unwholesome vegetables in cooking and urged vendors to maintain clean environments. He further expressed concern about the growing use of commercial fufu milling machines, describing them as potential health risks. According to him, households are safer using personal machines to avoid exposure to contamination.
The FDA, he noted, is working closely with environmental health officers to monitor compliance across the region. The Metropolitan Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Daniel Lamptey, applauded the FDA’s awareness drive but cautioned vendors against flouting the rules.
“It is safer to obtain the food vendor permit and maintain a healthy environment than to be hauled before court. We have prosecuted offenders before, and we will not hesitate to do so again,” Mr. Lamptey stated.
Defaulters risk sanctions, including fines or imprisonment of up to three months. Some participants at the event described the engagement as enlightening, pledging to comply with the guidelines.
The FDA also urged the public to report unhygienic food practices or suspected food contamination to environmental health officers or directly to the Authority for immediate action.
