The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has strengthened regulatory checks on imported frozen chicken, meat, and fish following a renewed national concern over food safety, which includes the recent ban on turkey tail, popularly known as “chofi”.
The Authority explained that the inspections are necessary to confirm compliance with international food safety standards, in relation to production processes, storage conditions, and handling practices before shipment.
It has further engaged with importers of frozen chicken, meat, and fish on mandatory site verification procedures to ensure that products entering the country are sourced from hygienic, regulated, and certified facilities abroad.
The FDA stressed that the focus on imported frozen foods is intended to close the gaps in the supply chain and also reduce public health risks associated with unsafe food consumption.
It added that the Authority is mandated to protect public health, noting that recent food safety concerns, including restrictions on certain locally consumed products such as “chofi,” have reinforced the need for stronger regulatory vigilance across both local and imported food products.
The FDA assured the public of its commitment to public safety, adding that the collaboration with importers and stakeholders will continue to ensure that only safe, high-quality frozen products are made available on the Ghanaian market.
This initiative forms part of stricter measures to strengthen oversight of frozen food imports and protect consumers from unsafe or substandard products on the Ghanaian market.
By Florence Asamoah Adom