Douglas Tagoe, an Environmental Health Consultant, has issued a warning to food vendors, urging them to safeguard their food from dust and other contaminants. He emphasized the importance of protecting cutlery, plates, and saucepans, especially during dry weather conditions, to mitigate potential respiratory and cardiovascular health risks.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Tagoe highlighted the significance of being mindful of dust’s detrimental effects on food quality and health. He expressed concern about the adverse impact of recent climate change, particularly the harmattan season, on Ghana’s food industry and safety.
Tagoe emphasized that the harmattan season exacerbates dryness, leading to increased dust levels, which can contribute to respiratory issues such as catarrh. He emphasized that dust contains microbes that can render food unsafe for consumption.
Furthermore, Tagoe explained the process by which dust contamination can occur during food preparation and consumption, emphasizing the importance of protecting food from prolonged exposure to dust.
He advised restaurant operators and street food vendors to install curtains or glass sieves to prevent dust from contaminating food. Additionally, he recommended placing eating tables away from windows to minimize direct exposure to dust.
Tagoe urged Ghanaians to prioritize handwashing with soap under running water and the use of sanitizers, especially before eating. He emphasized the continued importance of these practices despite the perception that COVID-19 risks have diminished.
Highlighting transportation as a contributing factor to food contamination, Tagoe urged food vendors to take measures to protect their food and serving surfaces from dust.
He cautioned the public against purchasing food from dusty areas due to contamination risks. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to ensure food safety and mitigate health risks associated with dust contamination.
