By Emelia B. Addae
Koforidua, April 06, GNA – The FDA’s Eastern Regional office recently conducted a significant cleanup, destroying approximately 2.5 tons of substandard goods from various locations after obtaining permission from their respective owners.
The discarded items encompassing medications, beauty products, tinned goods, beverages, and medical supplies were confiscated from locations like informational hubs, grocery stores, pharmacies, eateries, and bars.
The objects were securely discarded at the Akwadum landfill site close to Koforidua with stringent security measures and expert supervision.
During an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Anita Owusu-Kuffour, who serves as the Eastern Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority, stated that her organization is responsible for ensuring the safety of regulated products.
However, the manufacturers and producers also had the authority to inform the FDA about the safety issues of their products so they could be properly disposed of.
"The FDA requires the management of the landfill site to utilize suitable equipment for burning, burial, crushing, or mixing operations aimed at ensuring safe and effective disposal of non-compliant items, thereby preventing scavenger activity," she stated.
The machinery utilized for the demolition practice consisted of an excavator along with bulldozers.
The FDA safeguards public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and animal medications, vaccines and other biological products intended for humans, as well as medical equipment.
It also ensures the safety and security of Ghana’s food supply, oversees cosmetics and dietary supplements, regulates radiation-emitting electronic devices, and manages tobacco products.
GNA
DL/KOA