The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has confiscated smoked and dried fish processed under unhygienic conditions after a viral video exposed unsafe fish handling practices, triggering a joint enforcement operation with the Tema Metropolitan Assembly and the Ghana Police Service.
According to the FDA, the operation followed the circulation of a video on social media showing smoked and salted fish being processed in conditions that posed a serious risk to public health.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 28, the Authority said it deployed a rapid response team to the site on Monday, July 27, to investigate the matter and take immediate enforcement action.
The FDA said all fish found to have been exposed to unhygienic conditions was confiscated, while the processors involved were educated on the health risks associated with unsafe fish processing practices.
The Authority noted that similar incidents have occurred in the past and said it has continued to work with relevant agencies to enforce food safety regulations while educating the public on proper fish processing methods.
As part of its response, the FDA announced plans to intensify public education by engaging fish processors and fishmongers in identified coastal districts to promote hygienic processing and protect consumers.
It also pledged to strengthen surveillance and enforcement measures to ensure unsafe fish and fish products are removed from the market.
The FDA advised consumers to purchase smoked and dried fish only from clean and reputable sources and to inspect products carefully before buying. It urged the public to avoid fish with offensive odours, unusual colouration or signs of contamination and spoilage.
Consumers were further advised to wash smoked and dried fish thoroughly before cooking and ensure it is properly cooked before consumption.
The Authority also appealed to the public to report suspected unhygienic food processing, storage or sale to the nearest FDA office or local assembly while investigations continue.
