FDA Seizes Unsafe Fish Products During Tema Newtown Enforcement Exercise

FDA officials, accompanied by Tema Metropolitan Assembly officials, Ghana Police Service officials, and Ghana Armed Forces officials, conducted a joint enforcement operation at the Tema Newtown fishing enclave on Tuesday, July 28. The operation aimed to protect public health and prevent unsafe fish from reaching consumers.

Fish Processing in Tema Newtown Under Scrutiny

The joint enforcement operation targeted unhygienic fish handling and processing activities at the busy fishing community. Officials confiscated contaminated fish from fish handlers to ensure they did not enter the food supply chain. The seized fish will be disposed of safely to eliminate any risk to public health.

Education and Awareness Campaign

In addition to the enforcement action, fish handlers received education on proper hygiene and safe fish handling practices. The awareness campaign focused on encouraging processors and traders to adopt improved methods of handling, drying, and processing fish to reduce the risk of contamination. The FDA said it “remains committed to working with key stakeholders to ensure that food made available to the public is safe, wholesome and of good quality.”

Demolition Exercise Underway

The Tema Metropolitan Assembly also began a demolition exercise within the enclave to facilitate the removal of accumulated refuse along the shoreline. The clean-up is expected to improve sanitation in the area and create a healthier environment for fish processing activities. The TMA further assured the FDA that new hygienic platforms will be constructed to provide fish processors with safer and more sanitary facilities for drying and smoking fish.

Long-term Goals for Improved Food Safety

The exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to safeguard consumers and improve food safety standards across the country. The FDA's commitment to protecting consumers is evident in its dedication to working with key stakeholders to ensure food quality. The joint enforcement operation and education campaign are steps towards achieving this goal.

Source: JOY