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The Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has issued a stern reminder to all schools, corporate entities, and health institutions and the general public regarding the imperative of obtaining valid Food Hygiene Permits.
In a press release signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Delese Mimi Darko, the Authority, emphasized that any Food Service Establishment operating without a valid Food Hygiene Permit is in direct contravention of Section 130 (1) of the Public Health Act 2012 (Act 851).
This section explicitly prohibits the manufacture for sale, selling, supplying, or storing of regulated products in premises not registered for that purpose.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the release defines a “Food Service Establishment” as any entity involved in storing, preparing, packaging, serving, vending, or providing food for human consumption. This encompasses a wide range of establishments, including restaurants, bakeries, canteens, online food businesses, institutional caterers, chop bars, and fast-food services.
Of particular concern are canteens within schools, hospitals, and corporate institutions, which are urged to ensure that their food service facilities undergo inspection and licensing by the FDA.
The release underscores the critical importance of mandating vendors to provide valid Food Hygiene Permits when applying for or being awarded contracts. Additionally, it urges institutional canteens or caterers lacking permits to promptly rectify their status by applying for the necessary permit and facilitating food safety inspections of their facilities.
This concerted effort according to the Authority aims to uphold public health and safety by ensuring that only safe food is served to students, workers, and patients. Institutions are reminded that the FDA cannot vouch for the quality of operations and safety of food prepared by establishments lacking valid Food Hygiene Permits.
The release further directs institutions and the public to the FDA’s website for access to a list of licensed Food Service Establishments. It stresses the importance of patronizing only establishments holding valid Food Hygiene Permits to mitigate the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Failure to comply with these regulations by 29th February 2024 will result in regulatory sanctions, including facility closure, fines, and/or criminal prosecutions. The release emphasizes the necessity for Food Hygiene Permits to be prominently displayed within facilities for public viewing and urges individuals to report non-compliant establishments to the FDA.
The Food and Drug Authority Highlighted Six Clarifications to the Release :
5. All unlicensed Food Service Establishments are therefore cautioned that failure to acquire the Food Hygiene Permit by 29th February 2024 would attract the requisite regulatory sanctions which may include closure of facilities, fines and/or criminal prosecutions.
