The Environmental Health Officers of the Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly (AEMA) in Ghana have taken action to destroy over 200 kilograms of contaminated maize flour used for the local dish ‘tuozaafi’. The flour, which had been dried on unprotected plastic sheets on pavements along the Kanda to Kawukudi Highway, was found to be mixed with sand and exposed to unsanitary conditions.
The flour had been dried daily for eight hours on the pavement, with pedestrians walking through and spitting on it, while also being exposed to vehicle exhaust fumes and worn-out lorry tire materials. Mr. Hamdawaiy Sheriff, the Acting Municipal Environmental Health Officer, confirmed that three individuals have been identified as suspects and will face appropriate punishment as prescribed by the by-laws.
Mr. Douglas Tagoe, the Regional Environmental Health Director for Greater Accra, emphasized the health risks associated with consuming contaminated flour, including potential harm to the lungs, kidneys, and liver. He highlighted the importance of adhering to health and environmental safety measures, particularly when buying food from vendors near choked drains. Similar practices were also noted at beaches, where fishmongers were drying fish by the roadside.
Mr. Tagoe urged the public to avoid purchasing foodstuffs that have been dried or exposed in unsanitary conditions and encouraged reporting such practices to the appropriate authorities. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) had previously raised concerns about drying flour on pavements but was ignored by the perpetrators. The actions taken by the AEMA reflect the commitment to ensuring public health and safety by enforcing regulations and preventing the sale of contaminated food.
