FDA Urged to Enforce Stricter Food Safety Regulations on Street Food Vendors

 

The Asafoatse Tetteh Akroboso III of the Prampram Lomotey-Weh Lakpleh Family has called on the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to intensify its enforcement of food safety regulations, particularly with regard to the use of harmful spices and seasonings by street food vendors.

Speaking at the climax of the Prampram Homowo Durbar celebration, Asafoatse Tetteh Akroboso III expressed grave concern over the increasing use of unsafe spices and artificial flavorings in food preparation, stressing that such practices pose serious health risks to the public. He lamented that the consumption of these contaminated spices has the potential to cause long-term health complications, including foodborne illnesses, which could undermine public health if not urgently addressed.

He therefore urged the FDA to not only enforce existing regulations but also step up public education campaigns to create awareness about the dangers associated with unsafe food additives. “The FDA, being the statutory body responsible for protecting public health through food safety, must adopt comprehensive measures to monitor and regulate the use of spices in street foods while holding vendors accountable for non-compliance,” he stated.

The traditional leader further emphasized that street food remains a major part of Ghana’s food culture and economy, serving thousands of consumers daily. For this reason, ensuring high food safety standards is crucial in maintaining public trust and safeguarding lives. He appealed to the government to support the FDA with resources and logistics to strengthen compliance, while also urging food vendors to adopt safer and healthier food preparation practices.

Credit: Janet Kwakye