The Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Dr. Delese Darko, has raised an alarm over a recent scam targeting food service establishments, including restaurants, eateries, and other food vendors.
The scam involves individuals posing as FDA officers investigating incidents of food poisoning.
In a statement issued to the media, Dr. Darko disclosed that the scammers' modus operandi involves calling these establishments and demanding access to their WhatsApp accounts.
The aim, she said, is to fraudulently gain access to sensitive and confidential information such as client databases.
There are also concerns that these scammers may hack into the vendors' systems or extort money.
“The FDA takes incidences of food poisoning very seriously as a matter of public health. However, the Authority does not conduct enforcement activities through telephone calls. Our investigations and inspections are conducted onsite by our field officers,” Dr. Darko emphasized.
She urged operators of food service establishments to exercise caution when receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be FDA staff conducting food poisoning investigations.
“Do not grant any access to your accounts or systems,” she warned.
Dr. Darko further reminded the public that FDA officers are prohibited from collecting payments from clients during field activities.
She advised those receiving suspicious calls or messages to report them promptly to the Police or any FDA office, whether at the Head Office in Accra or regional branches across the country.
The FDA remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring the safety of food services in Ghana.
Dr. Darko reassured the public of the Authority’s dedication to tackling food safety issues through proper channels.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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