Upper East Region: Expired ‘Free SHS’ Mackerel, other products destroyed by FDA

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a strong appeal to the public to diligently check expiry dates and the registration status of food and drug products before purchasing them.

The Upper East Regional Head of the FDA, Sebastian Mawuli Hotor, also emphasised the importance of buying from accredited and recognised outlets to ensure the safety and quality of products.

Speaking to Citi News where the FDA disposed of unwholesome products confiscated from pharmaceutical shops, open markets, and provision shops in the Upper East Region, Mr. Mawuli stressed the critical need for consumers to be vigilant.

“It is essential for everyone to check expiry dates and the registration status of food and drug products to avoid the health risks associated with expired or unregistered items,” he stated.

Mr. Mawuli also advised retailers to adopt good storage and stock management practices.

He urged them to prioritise selling products that are closer to their expiry dates to prevent them from expiring on the shelves. The FDA Regional Head called on the public to report any instances of expired or unwholesome products being sold.

“We urge consumers to report to the FDA if they come across anyone selling expired or unwholesome products. This will help us take swift action to protect public health,” Mr. Mawuli said.

Among the unwholesome products burnt at the Sherigu refuse dumping site in the Bolgatanga Municipality were expired food items confiscated from the Zuarungu Senior High School.

In May this year, Citi News reported that the Authority confiscated expired food items in the school’s storeroom.

Among the unwholesome items retrieved included 11 boxes of the Free SHS Mackerel, each containing 24 pieces, which expired on 5th March 2023, 2 boxes of Royal Gold Hard Wheat, which expired on 15th December 2022, and 3 boxes of Pavani evaporated filled milk, each box containing 48 pieces, which was unregistered and expired in December 2022.

The rest were 4 boxes of Paka tomato paste, each box containing 6 pieces and expired on 25th March 2023, and 1 box of Queen Pilchards in tomato sauce, which was defaced, bloated, dented, rusted, with the expiry date not legible.

Mr. Mawuli warned that those who persist in selling expired products would face severe legal consequences. The Authority says it continues to work diligently to monitor and regulate food and drug products in the region and called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspected unwholesome food and drug products for swift action.

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