FDB cautions consumers to be vigilant against expired goods under pretext of Christmas bonanza

The Food and Drugs Board (FDB) on Monday cautioned consumers to be more vigilant against unscrupulous businessmen who would take advantage of the holiday rush to sell expired or defective Christmas delicacies and other items to them.

The Board said some retail establishments or individuals were likely to sell or distribute pre-packaged or processed foodstuffs some of which might be stale or whose  ‘’consume before’’ tags had expired.

Head of Communications of FDB, Mr James Lartey told the GNA in Accra on Monday that those products which were mainly stored and sold in unhygienic places may get contaminated and could compromise their safety to the detriment of the consuming public.

“This is the period of the year when unwholesome products especially consumable goods spring up under the pretext of ‘Christmas Bonanza’, he said.

He urged consumers to avoid patronising cheap food products, regardless how attractive the packaging would be.

“Consumers are advised to remain vigilant by checking on the expiry dates, batch numbers as well as the manufacturers of products such as biscuits, toffees, drinks and poultry products and other food products for consumption at this crucial period of the year,” Mr Lartey said.

“Parents must also endeavour to constantly monitor what their children buy for consumption from stalls or supermarkets as well as what they would be served at parties during the celebrations,” he said.

Mr Lartey recalled a recent situation where his outfit during its normal duties intercepted 100 boxes of biscuits infested with live maggots which were ready to be sold at reduced prices.

He called on consumers to avoid buying from hawkers whose products were exposed to the sun and unidentified companies that dealt in products which could be inimical to their health.

Another worrying phenomenon, Mr Lartey said, was the killing and dressing of fowls in the markets and noted that it could be very hazardous because the water used could be contaminated.

Consumers who would want imported dressed poultry should look out for expiry dates before buying, he insisted.

Mr Lartey gave the assurance that the FDB would always remain committed to the health and safety of consumers and urged them to report any product, especially drinks and meat suspected to be unwholesome  to the Board.

Source: GNA