Mr. Nataniel Nana Kwabena Nkrumah, the Ashanti Regional Director of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), has issued a strong caution to the public regarding the consumption of various items as the Christmas and New Year festive season approaches.
Compromised Goods:
Speaking to the media from his office in Kumasi, Mr. Nkrumah emphasized that the heightened demand during the yuletide often presents an opportunity for unscrupulous traders and producers to compromise on quality.
He noted that many individuals seeking to maximize profit during this peak period regrettably introduce sub-standard, nearly expired, or even openly expired goods into the markets.
“Having worked in this regulatory industry for 21 years,” Mr. Nkrumah disclosed, “I have consistently observed that certain dealers and distributors of consumables, intent on capitalizing on high-volume festivities such as Christmas, deliberately obscure or tamper with the ‘best before’ and expiration dates of items.
He added, “their objective is to move stock, irrespective of whether the products are expired or fast approaching the end of their shelf life.”
Consumer Vigilance:
The Regional Director stressed that combating this pervasive issue requires significant public awareness and extreme consumer vigilance.
He outlined the essential steps every shopper must take to safeguard their health:
Scrutinize Expiration Dates:
He asked the public to always check for the ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ dates clearly printed on packaging.
Verify Product Integrity:
He advised the public to look for legible batch numbers and the date of production.
He stressed that if any of these critical details appear smudged, covered, or intentionally defaced, the product should be avoided and reported.
Inspect Packaging:
He asked consumers to ensure the packaging is intact, properly sealed, and shows no signs of damage, swelling, or unusual discoloration, which could indicate spoilage or poor storage.
Market Surveillance:
On the part of the FDA, Mr. Nkrumah affirmed that continuous and intensified market surveillance operations are being conducted across all major trading centers and distribution points in the region.
“Our monitoring tours and exercises are strategic,” he stated.
He noted that, “their primary function is to ensure that only wholesome, safe, and quality-assured products are available for purchase by the consumer.”
Furthermore, he explained that FDA teams utilize these monitoring tours as critical opportunities for public education, sensitizing both vendors and consumers on the importance of product quality, safe handling practices, and recognizing the markings of legitimate, registered items.
Confidential Reporting:
Mr. Nkrumah issued a direct appeal to the citizenry, underscoring the vital role they play as partners in the regulatory process.
“I hereby implore the public to immediately report to our outfit any product they observe being manufactured, processed, or stored in questionable or unhygienic places and sites. Swift reporting allows us to intervene promptly and prevent these unapproved goods from ever reaching the consumer market,” Nana Nkrumah said.
He offered a firm promise to anyone willing to step forward: “Individuals who report such activities to us should be absolutely assured that the FDA will maintain their identities with the strictest confidentiality.”
Legacy:
Looking beyond enforcement, Nana Nkrumah articulated his long-term strategic vision for the regional office.
He said he wants to lead an outfit that is fundamentally customer-centric and easily accessible.
He expressed a deep desire to overhaul the institutional experience, ensuring that individuals who visit the FDA for crucial services, such as product registration, regulatory inquiries, or licensing, feel comfortable, respected, and free to express their concerns.
“Our plan is to create an environment where the requisite procedures and processes for product registration are truly seamless and transparent,” the Regional Director affirmed.
“My core idea is to transform the Ashanti FDA Office into a genuine customer-centric entity. From the moment a visitor arrives at the front desk, through to all our operational divisions, we have implemented measures to ensure everyone feels distinctly comfortable and welcome”, Nana Nkrumah stated.
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,
Kumasi.
