The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned food establishments across the country to regularise their activities with the body, emphasizing the need for a Food Hygiene Permit to ensure compliance.
Speaking at the Bolt Food Workshop in Accra, Dr. Edward Archer, Chief Regulatory Officer of the FDA, stressed that operating without a permit is unlawful. “Anybody who is operating a restaurant or food business without a food hygiene permit is operating unlawfully. The police will come after you,” he warned.
The workshop, themed “A Pledge to Uphold Hygiene Standards,” took place on Wednesday, May 15, and brought together food service establishments, regulators, media, and other stakeholders. Dr. Archer emphasized the importance of prioritizing food safety and encouraged collaboration between the FDA and food establishments.
“Please ask for the food hygiene permit wherever you buy food. They are supposed to display it in a visible place for everybody to see,” he advised. However, he noted that permits become invalid if an establishment relocates or changes its type of operation.
The Deputy CEO of the FDA, Roderick Kwabena Daddey-Adjei, represented the Chief Executive and expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration between the FDA and Bolt Foods. He called for more partnerships to promote hygiene and safety in the food chain.
Ali Zaryab, Country Manager of Bolt Food Ghana, welcomed the FDA’s guidance and highlighted instances of successful collaboration between the two organizations. He expressed confidence in future partnerships to impact the culinary market while ensuring safety and compliance.
The event included presentations on the roadmap to compliance and hygiene and sanitation best practices. Attendees were encouraged to prioritize food safety and work closely with the FDA to ensure a safe and healthy food environment.
