Sunyani, (B/A) July 2, GNA - The Public Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service recorded a total of 3,286 cases of cholera between September 2010 and March 2011.

Mr. Matthew Gyang Nkum, Brong-Ahafo Zonal Officer of the Food and Drugs Board, (FDB) who said this explained that the disease killed 54 people within the same period.

The zonal officer was speaking at a seminar, organised by the regional zonal office of the board, in Sunyani for caterers, hoteliers, restaurants and canteen operators in the Sunyani Municipality on basic food hygiene.

Mr. Nkum said the cases were recorded in 26 districts in the Central, Eastern, Greater Accra and Upper West regions. He stated food was an essential commodity needed for good health and growth but so many life-threatening diseases such as cholera, dysentery, food poisoning and typhoid could be contracted by consuming contaminated food.

Mr. Nkum said in view of this, the FDB would embark on a nationwide exercise to close down restaurants, hotels, canteens as well as other food service establishments operating without certified hygiene permits.

The exercise will start from July this year, he said, adding those who had not obtained the permit would be made to face the full rigours of the law.

Mr. Nkum reminded: 93Any person who sells food prepared, packaged, conveyed, stored or displayed for sale under unsanitary conditions commits an offence.

"It is illegal to also advertise food without the authorization of the FDB. We have to be cautious and protect consumers because those who buy food do not get the opportunity to taste it before purchase." Mr. Nkum stated that the board in collaboration with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies would pay periodic visits to Senior High Schools across the country to check and ensure that the matrons cooked under proper hygienic conditions. Mr. Jeremiah E. Sampson, Regulatory Officer of the FDB, indicated that 77 per cent of all traceable food-borne illnesses were as a result of improper handling in the food service establishments. "The fact that a food item may appear neat, tasty and without any bad odour is not a guarantee that it is safe for consumption," he cautioned.

Mr. Daniel Nti, also a regulatory officer of the board, who took the participants through personal hygiene, advised them to ensure that the foods they prepare are safe for consumption.

He cautioned prospective food vendors to obtain the hygiene permit from the board and also undertake complete medical examination to certify that they are free from all contagious ailments. Most of the participants commended the board for organizing the seminar which they said had broadened their horizon and called for similar periodic training sessions to get them abreast with the Food and Drug Law. 02 July 11