The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in the Central Region is set to begin inspections of food vendor certifications in schools. This initiative aims to prevent uncertified individuals from selling food to pupils, ensuring the safety and well-being of schoolchildren across the region.
Central Regional Director of the FDA, Francesca Anokye, announced the move during a food safety training session organized for School Health Education Programme (SHEP) coordinators in the Cape Coast Metropolis. She emphasized that the inspections will verify that all food vendors operating in schools are certified and meet the required health standards.
The training program, organized in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), forms part of broader efforts to combat foodborne illnesses in the region. Ghana has already recorded four outbreaks of such illnesses this year, highlighting the urgent need for improved food safety practices.
Betty Vanderpuiye, the Metro SHEP Coordinator, expressed appreciation to both the FDA and FAO for the capacity-building workshop. She noted that the training has empowered teachers to return to their schools better equipped to educate students about food safety. In addition, they will play a crucial role in monitoring food vendors to ensure only safe, chemical-free food and drinks are sold on school premises.
