Eastern Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has organised a Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) training workshop for food service establishments in the New Juaben South Municipality to strengthen their way of practices.
The food service establishments include hotels, restaurants, and canteens.
Speaking to participants at Koforidua, Madam Anita Owusu-Kuffour, the Eastern Regional Head of FDA, said the hygiene standards in food service establishments were essential to ensure the healthy condition of consumers and build the brand and image of the businesses.
She said the FDA ensured that all food service establishments adhere to the food safety standards set forth by the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) which revised and consolidated the law relating to public health to prevent disease, promote, safeguard, maintain and protect the health of humans and animals and to provide for related matters.
The FDA also seeks that operators acquire food hygiene permits that declare their commitment to food safety and health.
“Customers can enjoy patronizing at places where the operators camply with food safety standards,” she said.
About 60 food service establishments participated in the workshop and they were Linda Dor, Freedom Hills Hotel, Boti Falls and Eco-Tourism Centre, Adwoa Asantewa Memorial, Ceqa Foods and Beverages, Master Pizza, Chop and Bite Restaurant, among others.
Mr. Kingsley Nii Lante Lamptey, Eastern Regional Head of the Inspectorate Unit at the FDA, took participants through an overview of the law on food service establishment, control of food hazards, personal hygiene, and food handling control.
He said the measures to achieve proper hygienic standard include sanitizing kitchen equipment, bar tops, table and chairs which customers come into direct contact with.
He emphasized the disposal of all spoiled products, control of insects and rodents, proper ventilation, and protecting products with covers or plastic sheets.
GNA
