Food processors and Feed mill operators meet in Brong Ahafo

Mr. Matthew Gyang Nkum, Brong Ahafo Regional Officer of Food and Drugs Board (FDB) has called on the Ghana Food Crops and Processors Association to adhere to the operational standards in their operations.

Speaking at a one day sensitization workshop organized for food processors and feed mill operators on food safety in Sunyani, Mr. Nkum said the environment and state of equipment used by many feed mills introduced contaminants which could be bad for the health of consumers.

He appealed to them to upgrade their knowledge in personal and environmental hygiene and improve the quality of food they produced.

Mr. Jeremiah Ewudzie-Sampson, a regulatory officer at FDB, in a presentation on equipment design and sanitation said non-food grade materials like lead, iron and cadium were used in the manufacturing process of most small-scale processing machines.

He said elements like bolts and nuts, bacteria and yeast infections, aflotoxins and lubricants that resulted from the use of over aged equipment, usage of inappropriate cleansing agents and unapproved equipment had serious health implications on human life.

Mr. Ewudzie-Sampson said it was an offence for “any person who sells, packages and displays food items to do so under unsanitary conditions.

“A person who commits such offence is liable to a fine, imprisonment or both under PNDC Law 305B sub section 42”, he added.

He appealed to all to use stainless steel processing equipment, which was corrode-resistance and non-toxic and engage in hygienic practices.

Mrs Francisca Patoah Gyako, a regulatory officer at FDB, took the participants through appropriate industrial and personal hygiene.

Mr. Joseph Damoah, Chairman of the Association, expressed gratitude to the FDB for the programme and on behalf of members pledged they would put to practice what they had learnt.**