Accra: The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) observed this year's Food Safety Day with an event at the Wa Central Market, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing food safety over profit for traders and consumers.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event also engaged students and staff from the Wa Technical Institute to highlight the significance of food safety practices in promoting healthier lives. The FDA encouraged traders to follow food safety measures such as selling products on raised platforms, while urging consumers to ensure that purchased food items are wholesome.
Ms. Jocelyn Adeline Egyakwa Amusah, Head of Safety Coordination and Consumer Education Department at the FDA, addressed the gathering, calling for the entire food value chain to ensure food wholesomeness. She stressed the collective responsibility in handling food safely, stating, "Food safety is everybody's business."
The theme for the event, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), was 'Food Safety: Science in Action.' Ms. Amusah highlighted the scientific basis of food safety practices, urging their proper implementation to ensure food safety.
Mr. Ishmael Albert Viala, Finance Assistant at the FAO, emphasized the organization's mandate to minimize hunger and the critical role of food security. He noted the necessity of ensuring food safety at all stages to promote healthy consumption.
Alhaji Nurah Issah Danwana, Wa Municipal Chief Executive, reinforced the importance of safe food handling for healthy living, expressing gratitude to the FDA for organizing the event in Wa. He remarked, "Our health is our future, everything depends on how we handle our food stuff."
Mr. Kelvin Dafaari Sunkpal, Upper West Regional Head of the FDA, urged traders to maintain food safety, as their practices directly impact food safety. He affirmed the FDA's commitment to ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of all food consumed by the public.
Participants included representatives from the Environmental Health and Sanitation Department and other stakeholders, marking a collaborative effort to promote food safety in Wa.
