FDA Shuts Down 59 Food Manufacturing and Cold Storage Facilities Over Safety Violations

Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has temporarily shut down 59 food manufacturing and cold storage facilities in the Greater Accra Region after uncovering widespread violations of food safety regulations during a two-week enforcement exercise.

The inspections, conducted in the Ga East and Ga West Municipalities, form part of the Authority’s nationwide campaign to strengthen food safety compliance and protect public health. The outcome of the operation was announced by Mrs. Rhoda Ewurabena Appiah, Head of Communication and Public Education at the FDA, during a media briefing.

According to the FDA,  44 food manufacturing facilities and 15 cold storage facilities were ordered to cease operations with immediate effect after failing to meet regulatory requirements. In addition, three mineral water companies and one cold store were specifically identified for serious food safety violations.

The affected mineral water companies include Virgin Mineral Water at Ashongman Estate, Hamatan Mineral Water at Amanfrom, and Delta Fall Mineral Water at Amasaman, while New Horizon Cold Store at Kwabenya was also cited.

Mrs. Appiah revealed that investigations found that nearly all the affected facilities were operating without valid FDA registration or licences, contrary to Section 130 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).

The inspections also uncovered numerous operational deficiencies. Virgin Mineral Water and Hamatan Mineral Water lacked Viability-Neutralisation (VN) machines, which are required for testing water for microorganisms. Hamatan Mineral Water was further found to be operating without ultraviolet (UV) sterilisation equipment, under poor hygienic conditions and without a valid licence.

Similarly, Delta Fall Mineral Water was discovered to be producing water without UV sterilisation equipment while using an FDA registration number issued in 2011, despite the requirement for annual renewal of registrations.

Inspectors also documented several other violations across the facilities, including poor sanitation practices, unkempt production environments, algae growth in water pipelines, expired regulatory approvals, and inadequate hygiene standards, all of which pose significant risks to consumer health.

Mrs. Appiah stressed that the facilities will remain closed until they fully comply with FDA regulations. Before resuming operations, operators must pay the applicable administrative penalties and implement all **Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) prescribed by the Authority.

She noted that FDA registration remains affordable, with large-scale manufacturers paying GH¢600, while small-scale and cottage industries pay less than GH¢300. Businesses that fail to regularise their operations risk temporary closure, seizure of products, administrative penalties of up to GH¢30,000, and possible prosecution.

“Paying GH¢300 to get your business properly regularised is better than facing GH¢30,000 in charges,” Mrs. Appiah said.

To simplify compliance, the FDA has introduced the Ghana Food and Medicines Electronic Services (GFAMES) portal, allowing businesses to submit registration applications, upload required documents, and monitor the progress of their applications online.

“You don’t need to drive all the way to our office anymore. You don’t need to know someone in FDA to check. Just in the palm of your hand, you can check,” she said.

Mrs. Appiah emphasized that the Authority’s enforcement actions are not intended to discourage businesses but to ensure that food products reaching consumers meet the highest safety standards.

“FDA is not anti-business. We want businesses to run and do well. But we will not sacrifice the health and safety of Ghanaians,” she stated.

The FDA has also withdrawn products from the affected facilities from major warehouses and supermarkets and has expanded the enforcement exercise to retail outlets and smaller vendors to ensure all non-compliant products are removed from the market.

The Authority advised consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing sachet and bottled water by verifying that products carry valid FDA approval before consumption.

“No matter how thirsty you are, if you’re going to take any sachet water, you should check whether it has FDA approval,” Mrs. Appiah urged.

The latest enforcement exercise underscores the FDA’s commitment to strengthening regulatory compliance and safeguarding public health, while reminding food manufacturers and distributors that adherence to food safety standards is essential to protecting consumers and maintaining confidence in Ghana’s food industry.

Source: GNA