The Central Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has urged the public to exercise extreme caution when purchasing food, drinks and other consumables during the Christmas festive season.

It warned consumers to be wary of unapproved, unhygienic and, in some cases, expired products being sold by unscrupulous vendors under the guise of discounts.

The Regional Head, Francisca Anokye, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), advised buyers to avoid bloated, dented or rusted cans, as well as products with broken seals, and to always check expiry dates.

“Make sure all labelling is in English so that you understand what you are purchasing. If the expiry date has been defaced or removed, please do not buy the product and contact the FDA,” she urged.

Madam Anokye also cautioned against purchasing medicines and food from peddlers, noting that such vendors are often difficult to trace in the event of adverse reactions or medical emergencies.

“Look out for clean environments and clean products. Be mindful of where and from whom you are buying. If it is ready-to-eat food, please check that the vendor has a valid food hygiene permit,” she stressed.

She advised consumers to separate raw food from cooked food to prevent cross-contamination.

“When storing food in the fridge or freezer, ready-to-eat food should be placed above raw food so that any leakage from the raw food does not contaminate it,” she explained.

To avoid illness after the festivities, Madam Anokye further advised that food should be thoroughly cooked or reheated before consumption.

“Food, whether eaten hot or cold, must always be kept at the appropriate temperature,” she added.

She pledged the FDA’s continued commitment to protecting the public before, during and after the festive season, and called for public cooperation.

“The FDA is here to support and protect you. If you encounter any challenges relating to food, drugs, household chemicals, cosmetics or any other regulated products, do not hesitate to contact us,” she said.

She added that the Authority would intensify market surveillance throughout the festive period.