The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has warned that Ghana is facing a systemic food safety crisis, citing widespread contamination across the country’s food production and distribution chain.

Speaking on the Asaase Radio on Monday (27 July), the Association’s General Secretary, Dr Richard Selormey, said food safety concerns extend from farms to dining tables and require urgent national attention.

He cited studies indicating that nearly 80% of sachet water sampled in Ghana contained bacteria, while food products sold in major markets have also been found to contain dangerous levels of pesticides and other contaminants.

According to Dr Selormey, illegal mining, excessive pesticide use, adulterated palm oil, poor food handling practices and unsafe storage methods are exposing consumers to serious health risks.

He said some vegetables sold in Accra markets contained toxic pesticide residues, while chemicals such as Sudan dyes continue to be detected in palm oil.

The GMA also expressed concern about reports of formalin, a chemical used to preserve dead bodies, being used illegally to preserve fish.

“And so, indeed… from the farms, the use of pesticides, all the way to the table, the issue is widespread,” he said.

Dr Selormey called for stronger enforcement of food safety regulations, greater public education and incentives to encourage businesses to adopt environmentally friendly packaging.

Source: Asaaseradio