The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned the public against purchasing or consuming food products recovered from floodwaters following the June 29 floods that affected Accra and other parts of the country.
In a food safety alert issued on July 2, 2026, the FDA said it had observed some unidentified individuals retrieving food items and other products from floodwaters and various locations.
According to the Authority, some of these individuals have also been seen on social media distributing the recovered items to unsuspecting members of the public, including students.
The FDA stressed that it cannot guarantee the safety or quality of any food products recovered from floodwaters, warning that they may have been contaminated through exposure to polluted water and improper handling, posing a serious threat to public health.
It therefore urged the public not to accept, purchase, consume, sell, distribute or offer for sale any food or other regulated products salvaged from floodwaters.
The Authority explained that floodwaters often contain sewage, chemicals, waste and harmful microorganisms capable of contaminating food, drinking water, food preparation surfaces and storage facilities. Such contamination significantly increases the risk of foodborne illnesses and outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever and dysentery.
As a precaution, the FDA advised the public to discard any food that has come into contact with floodwater. It also recommended drinking only safe water or boiling water for at least five minutes if its safety is uncertain, washing hands thoroughly with soap and safe water before handling or eating food, cleaning and disinfecting all food preparation surfaces and utensils exposed to floodwater, and keeping raw and cooked foods separate to prevent cross-contamination.
The FDA said it is working closely with relevant agencies to monitor food safety in affected communities and will take the necessary regulatory measures to safeguard public health.
It also urged the public to report any suspected sale or distribution of flood-damaged or unsafe food products through its official social media platforms or by calling 0551112224 or 0551112225.
