FDA ASHANTI REGIONAL HEAD ADVISES THE PUBLIC ON CONSUMER SAFETY

The Ashanti Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Mrs. Nora Narkie Terlabie in an interview with Taabea TV, on the 8th of October 2020 emphasized the role of the Authority by reminding viewers that the FDA is the National Regulatory Body mandated to regulate Food, Drugs, Food Supplements, Herbal and Homeopathic Medicines, Veterinary Medicines, Cosmetics, Medical Devices, Household Chemical Substances, Tobacco and Tobacco Products, Blood and Blood Products as well as the conduct of Clinical Trials.

She restated that the FDA exists to protect public health and safety; hence, consumer safety is very key as better human health results in a strengthened nation.

She said, without adequate safety controls and monitoring measures, some products with the potential of causing harm to users would be pushed onto the market, thus endangering public health.She also mentioned the fact that the FDA only gives authorization to products that meet the set standards, after which they can be sold on the market.

She used the means to advise Ghanaians to be very vigilant when they purchase products from the market especially as the Christmas season approaches. Products on sale must have relevant information to inform the buyer or consumer on the content of the product.

Speaking on drug purchases, she encouraged clients to report every adverse drug reaction on the Medsafety App or to the Pharmacy's Customer Safety Center or their hospital physicians for a re-analysis of the consumed drug.Mrs. Terlabie used the platform to caution media producers to desist from using their platforms to advertise products that are not vetted and approved by the FDA. She reminded them on the provisions of the Public Health Act 2012, Act 851, Section 100 and 114.

Mrs. Terlabie went on to speak on the critical nature of food safety to consumers and the fact that the FDA goes on inspections to make sure the premises of food vendors are clean and safe for sale of food to consumers.
She added that the FDA has the right to revoke the license of products and facilities that do not conform to the set guidelines.

Lastly, she called on clients to respond to calls of the Authority as the well-being of the public is its priority.

She added that the FDA continues working hard to win public confidence through continuous improvement of its services and ensuring adequate and effective standards for Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, Household Chemicals and Medical Devices in Ghana.