FDA Warns Against Sale of Flood-Damaged Food and Beverages

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned the public against buying food and beverages that were damaged by recent floods and later washed, cleaned, repackaged or relabelled for sale.

The Authority explained that flood-affected products may remain contaminated even when their outer packaging appears clean, posing serious health risks to consumers.

The warning follows complaints concerning a beverage distributor whose shop at Alajo was flooded. The FDA said the distributor allegedly moved the affected products to a residence at Bubiashie, where they were being washed and prepared for resale.

During its investigations, the FDA discovered about one truckload of bottled water and soft drinks covered in mud. The products were seized and are expected to be safely disposed of.

The Authority also disclosed that the Kaneshie Police received a similar complaint, resulting in the arrest and subsequent granting of bail to the owner of the affected products. Another large quantity of flood-damaged beverages was seized in the process.

According to the FDA, floodwater may contain sewage, refuse and other dangerous contaminants. It stressed that washing the outside of bottles or shrink-wrapped packs does not guarantee that the contents are safe for consumption.

The Authority noted that flooding can damage bottle caps, seals and other packaging, especially when products are submerged. This can allow harmful contaminants to enter and increase the risk of diseases including cholera, typhoid and dysentery.

Consumers have therefore been advised to avoid food and beverages with mud stains, watermarks or other visible signs of damage to their packaging, bottles, caps or labels.

The public has also been urged to exercise caution when buying products from unusual locations or purchasing goods in bulk from sellers whose sources cannot be verified.

The FDA directed manufacturers, distributors and retailers whose products were affected by the floods not to wash, repackage, relabel or resell them.

Instead, such products should be quarantined, with the nearest FDA office contacted for verification and safe disposal.

The Authority warned that failure to comply with the directive is an offence and may result in sanctions under the law.

The FDA said it would continue its surveillance and enforcement activities in flood-affected communities to protect public health.

Members of the public who encounter flood-damaged food or beverages being sold have been encouraged to report the matter to the nearest FDA office or police station.

By: Paulina Armah/ Radio1.