The Public Relations Officer of Marwako Fast Food has dismissed the outcome of investigation conducted by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) into the recent incidence of food poisoning at its East Legon branch.

The FDA in a statement on Monday said it discovered poor sanitation, poor storage and microbial infestation as the causes of the food poisoning.

However, the Public Relations Officer of the eatery, Mohammed Amin Lamptey in an interview with JoyNews noted that the company may need an independent investigation into the actions of the FDA.

“We can even say we would disagree with FDA to all intents and purposes. We may need an independent investigation on what they have also done, and as I have said earlier, when it comes to restaurant business, anybody that understands that business knows that there are certain items or ingredients that when you use them in a day, you cannot use them the next day,” he said.

Mr. Lamptey believes the action by the FDA is "like something that has been done to totally damage the brand of Marwako Fast Food”.

In a statement issued on Monday, June 13, the FDA explained that based on its findings, the eatery failed to observe the appropriate sanitary practices, leading to widespread food poisoning, which was reported by affected customers.

“Analyses of samples of food, some juice drinks, and swaps taken from the environment at the East Legon branch of Mawarko Fast Food Limited indicate that there was heavy microbial load (pathogens) which may be linked to the food borne disease reported.

Samples collected from the Abelenkpe and La branches were also found to be contaminated. The levels of sanitation and hygiene in the food preparation areas in all three facilities were poor”, portions of the statement read.

The FDA’s release continued: “It was also established that there were poor storage practices. The temperatures of deep freezers and refrigerators were far above the acceptable ranges. The handling practices of ingredients used in cooking, cooked and ready-to-eat food items were also very poor”.

Background

On May 12, 2022, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) closed down the East Legon branch of Marwako restaurant, following widespread reports of food poisoning on social media.

In a tweet, the FDA stated that the move to close down the restaurant is to enable the Authority to conduct investigations into customers’ complaints.

“The FDA has taken notice of complaints from the public about the suspected food poisoning at the East Legon Branch of Marwarko Restaurant.

“We have closed down the restaurant and together with other relevant agencies, started investigations”, the tweet said.

The FDA has taken notice of complaints from the public about the suspected food poisoning at the East Legon Branch of Marwarko Restaurant. We have closed down the restaurant and together with other relevant agencies, started investigations.

— FDAGhana (@fdaghana) May 12, 2022