Emeritus Prof. Samuel k. Sefa-Dedeh, Chairman, Food Sub-Committee, of Food and Drugs Authourity (FDA) has stated that food safety is vital and needs to be recognised as a public health priority.
Addressing stakeholders at the annual ‘World Food Safety Day’ and also the launch of the National Food Safety Policy (NFSP) in Accra, he said the availability of safe food improves the life of health.
The International World Food Safety Day was declared by the World Health Organisation and is celebrated annually’ to draw attention and mobilise action to prevent, detect and mange foodborne risks and improve human health.
Emphasising on the theme of the Day ‘Safer food, better health’ he stated, food safety is not the responsibility of government and agencies but a shared responsibility.
According to him, food safety involves operators critical for the success of the work adding that the operators are important in the food chain to prevent people from getting sick by food contamination.
The Chairman noted consumers are key operators which need to be factored in the food chain as it is important for them to recognise that food is safe.
Emeritus Sefa-Dedeh added the food value chain in the country requires that we look critically at how we do things especially with food health.
He stated the operators in the food value chain must ensure food is safe, grow safe foods, keep food safe, know what food is safe and also cooperation and team building.
The representative of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Mr Ndiaga Gueye, stated the organisation has developed initiatives to ensure more food is available with more emphasis on the importance on nutrition, environment and good health.
Mr Gueye stated the FAO supports Ghana in food safety development and capacity development.
According to him, good nutrition is a foundation for healthy existence and well-being for the consumer.
He added all must prioritise healthy food and keeping the right food safety choice to enhance living standards.
Mr. Collins Augustin Ntim, Deputy Director of Local Government Decentralization Rural development (MLGRD) has stated the ministry is critical on food safety in the nation to improve healthy lives.
He noted, the Ministry, have developed safety guidelines for MMDCA’s after consultation with major actors in order to ensure healthy practices.
According to him, they have been empowered to make effective bye-laws for safety of the public to ensure food consume in their area are safe.
He added they are to enhance strict enforcement and also assure food safety for all.
Hon. Collins Ntim noted the collaboration of the National Food Safety Policy and National Food Safety Emergency Response Plan will achieve international standards.
On his part the Deputy Director of Agribusiness at Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) Mr. Jeremy Agyemang said the food safety is responsible for food security and healthy nation.
He added the Ministry is collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen food safety at regional and international levels in accordance with food safety standards.
According to him, food control systems, policy and also food safety emergencies will help with systemic changes for food safety.
Benjamin Afunya, the Accra Regional Chairman of Ghana Hotel Association (GHA) mentioned the collaboration of the FDA and Assemblies with the implementation of the national policy will ensure reasonable level of food safety.
According to him, the Association to ensure compliance will engage the Assembly periodically to educate their members to reduce food borne illnesses.
He pledged the association’s total commitment to the National policy to ensuring food safety in Ghana stating that, ‘stronger relationship with the Ministry of Health and FDA is in the spirit of public partnership.’
The Day was celebrated by the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drugs Authority to commemorate the annual World Food Safety Day which is 7th June.
By Anna Claudia Duker
