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Dr. Delese Darko, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), emphasized that the impacts of climate change and technological advancements are critical to food safety. Speaking at the opening of a two-day World Food Safety Day 2024 Conference and Masterclass on food safety held in Accra, Dr. Darko highlighted that these emerging developments present both challenges and opportunities, necessitating innovative and timely solutions.
The conference, organized by the FDA under the theme “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected,” aimed to address these issues. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) study cited by Dr. Darko, an estimated 33 million people die annually due to the consumption of unsafe food.
The Masterclass aimed to educate participants from the food and medicine value chains on topics such as risk assessment, hazard analysis, regulatory compliance, and crisis management. Dr. Darko noted that over 200 diseases are caused by consuming contaminated food containing bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemical substances like heavy metals.
She pointed out the growing public health problem caused by foodborne diseases, which have considerable socio-economic impacts through strained healthcare systems, lost productivity, and negative effects on tourism and trade. “These diseases contribute significantly to the global burden of diseases and mortality,” she added.
Mr. Hafez Adam Teher, Director and External Health Coordinator at the Ministry of Health, stated that food safety is not a luxury but a basic requirement for the well-being of all. He noted that the WHO study estimated that 30 percent of foodborne deaths occur among children under five years of age.
Mr. Teher explained that foodborne diseases, caused by contamination at any stage of food production, require safety measures throughout the entire chain. He stressed that the promotion of food safety is a shared responsibility, requiring connected and concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including regulators, manufacturers, and food business owners. He urged manufacturers to prioritize hygiene practices and ensure the supply of raw materials from credible sources.
Mr. Nikaj Van Wees, Chief of Party for Ghana Trade and Investment (GTI), shared that GTI has been working with stakeholders in the agricultural sector to enhance the quality and safety of food production. Over the past two years, GTI has trained about 12,000 individuals in the agricultural sector and nearly 3,000 in the trade sector.
