The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) have together launched a new licensing scheme for street food vendors across the country.
According to FDA and KoKMA, the new introduction is aimed at sensitizing street food vendors and the general public on the new street food licensing scheme.
Speaking on the theme 'No Street Food Vending Permit, No Business', the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Delese Mimi Darko said "Street food micro-industries are vital for the economic planning and development of many towns. Street food represents a quick and inexpensive source of nutrition for a growing number of urban dwellers, mainly low-and-middle-income workers and students. It represents a source of income and economic sufficiency"
Madam Darko added that aside from its advantages, street foods have often been contaminated either biologically, chemically, or physically with levels above the recommended limits.
Mrs. Darko further hinted that the FDA together with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations have been working tirelessly to instill best practices in their operations that will ensure that the food that the vendors prepare and sell is handled hygienically and safely to minimize food illnesses in our communities.
"This journey began in 201 when the FAO supported the FDA to implement the Healthy Street Food Incentives project. The project was informed by the rising spate of the sale and consumption of street food nationwide"
She noted that the FDA together with KoKMA will ensure that the food safety laws are observed.
"This led to the signing of an MOU on the 11th September 2020 which has culminated into the launch of this Street Food Vending Permit Programme intended to compel vendors to comply with all the requirements of Good Hygienic to provide the needed assurance to consumers" she mentioned.
She reminded the food vendors that the star presented to them marks the beginning of their journey as street food vendors.
"You are therefore to work hard and continue to adhere to all the food safety practices that you have been taught"
Mrs. Darko stated that this will help to reduce foodborne disease outbreaks in the country and improve on nutritional needs of customers.
The FDA Boss was confident that most vendors will comply and obtain their street vending permits.
Representing the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of KoKMA, the Municipal Environmental Officer, Mr. Aquaye charged the street vendors to set good examples for the other vendors to emulate.
He added that there will be frequent checks to assess whether or not the beneficiaries are making good use of the veronica bucket given to them and also exhibiting high levels of professionalism to their clients.
He commended the FDA for coming u with such an initiative and urged all street food vendors to come on board.
The CEO of the FDA later visited and pasted the certificates as well as a star on the shops of the beneficiaries.
She appealed to the general public to look out for joints having the FDA certificate and star and enjoy not only good food but great customer service.
Some beneficiaries told Thinknewsonline.com that they will preach the good news to their fellow food vendors and ensure they also obtain the certificate and star from the Food and Drugs Authority.
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Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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