The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has announced its readiness to undergo an audit by qualified local or international bodies to validate its operations and assure the public of its integrity.
This statement follows public outcry over reports that approximately 22,000 bags of repackaged expired rice were distributed to Senior High Schools across Ghana.
Addressing a news conference in Accra, FDA Chief Executive Officer Delese Mimi Darko reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to food safety and compliance with global standards.
“Globally, we may use accepted regulatory extensions of best-before dates following rigorous testing and compliance with storage requirements, and this is in line with international best practices,” Ms. Darko stated.
She emphasized that the FDA conducted thorough evaluations of the rice in question, confirming its safety before distribution.
“The FDA also wishes to assure the public that it confirmed the wholesomeness of the consignment of rice in question… It gives assurance that, with all the other certificates that were submitted from India, from PPRST, from CSIRFRI, [the FDA] concluded that the rice was wholesome before it was released for distribution,” she added.
Ms. Darko highlighted the FDA’s commitment to maintaining high food safety standards, citing its ISO certification and the largest ISO-accredited laboratory scope in Africa as evidence of its reliability.
“The authority operates with independence, transparency, and professionalism. It also acts as a secretariat for the National Food Safety Emergency Response Plan,” she noted.
In response to public concerns, the FDA invited scrutiny, declaring its willingness to be audited by competent bodies.
“To address any public concerns, the FDA is open to audits by qualified local or international bodies to validate all its actions,” Ms. Darko reiterated.
The FDA’s stance aims to rebuild public trust and reinforce its reputation as a regulator committed to protecting public health and ensuring food quality across the country.
