The Ashanti Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Nathaniel Nana Kwabena Nkrumah, has advised consumers to be extra vigilant when purchasing food, medicines, beverages, and other regulated products during the festive season.

He stressed that consumer safety begins with making informed choices, especially at a time when buying and selling activities to intensifying.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) ahead of the yuletide, Mr Nkrumah said products displayed under direct sunlight, heat, or unhygienic conditions posed significant health risks and must be avoided.

He said consumers must inspect product labels carefully before making purchases.

This includes checking the batch number, expiry date, manufacturing date, and ensuring that all labeling information is written in English.

For locally manufactured products, he emphasised the importance of identifying the FDA registration number to confirm legitimacy.

Mr Nkrumah also cautioned against the purchase of products with poorly printed or tampered-with labels.

He explained that legitimate manufacturers emboss essential information such as batch numbers and expiry dates directly onto the packaging, making them indelible.

“We do not allow stickers or papers to be pasted over original product details. If you see a pasted label, you must question its authenticity,” he said.

The FDA regional head encouraged the public to immediately report any suspicious products to the FDA, assuring that the authority would investigate and take appropriate action to protect public health.

Addressing suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers, the regional head underscored their responsibility to comply with storage and safety regulations.

He noted that regulated products must be stored in designated facilities under appropriate conditions.

“We do not permit the storage of food, water, or beverages in makeshift or unhygienic places, including homes. Mixing products with household items or storing them improperly can lead to contamination,” he warned.

Mr. Nkrumah also cautioned businesses against attempts to repackage or redistribute expired products, describing such acts as dangerous and unlawful.

“If a product expires, it must be removed from the shelves. Trying to outsmart unsuspecting consumers by selling expired goods is a serious offence, and the FDA will not tolerate it,” he stated.

He reiterated the FDA’s commitment to safeguarding public health and encouraged the public to remain alert throughout the festive season.

 “When in doubt, do not buy it. Report it to the FDA so we can take swift action,” he added.