The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued an urgent public health alert following reports that individuals are retrieving and distributing food items salvaged from recent floodwaters.
The warning follows severe flooding that struck Accra and surrounding areas on 29th June 2026.
According to the regulator, unidentified individuals have been spotted scavenging for displaced goods and food products at various submerged sites.
Alarmingly, some of these scavengers have taken to social media, announcing intentions to distribute the items to unsuspecting members of the public, including local students.
In a public notice, the FDA stated it “cannot vouch for the safety or quality of these products, as they may have been contaminated by floodwaters and mishandling, which could pose a serious risk to public health”.
The authority strongly advised the public against accepting, consuming, or selling any food items recovered from the disaster zones.
“Floodwaters often carry sewage, chemicals, other waste, and harmful microorganisms that can contaminate food, drinking water, food preparation surfaces, and food storage facilities,” the FDA warned.
Officials added that the aftermath of the floods has significantly heightened the risk of severe waterborne outbreaks, including cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery.
Citizens have been urged to practice strict hygiene, discard any items that have touched floodwaters, and boil water for at least five minutes if the source is uncertain.
The FDA confirmed it is collaborating with relevant agencies to monitor local food supplies and will take regulatory action to protect consumers.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspicious food distribution activities immediately, with the regulator issuing a blunt final directive: “If you are not sure, don’t eat!! Don’t purchase!!!”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
