The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has reminded artisanal salt miners, large-scale salt producers, importers, transporters, salt storage facility operators and retailers of edible salt to immediately regularise their operations with the Authority.
According to the FDA, the reminder is in pursuance of the provisions of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), and to ensure the public is protected from Iodine Deficiency Disorders.
In a communique signed by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Delese A. A. Darko, it said "Per Section 107 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), all salt meant for human and animal consumption shall be iodised as prescribed by GS 154:2017; Spices and Condiments-Specification of Salt Fortified with Iodine"
"Section 130 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), stipulates that all salt-producing / manufacturing facilities shall be licensed"
The communique also added that it was also mandatory under Section 97 of Act 851 for all packaged salt to be registered before being put on the market or displayed or offered for sale.
"It must further be noted that Section 107(6)(c) of Act 851 prescribes that salt for industrial purposes should not be transported unless it is covered by a permit issued by the Authority"
"Section 97 also states that a person commits an offence if that person imports unregistered salt, exports, distributes, supplies, sells, or exposes for sale, unregistered salt."
The FDA note that Market surveillance conducted by the Authority through a survey of the artisanal salt industry in 2023 revealed major non-compliances by stakeholders particularly producers of non-prepackaged or unpackaged rock salt.
"Producing salt in facilities with structural and operational deficiencies which can impact the safety and quality of the finished product; and salt in trade not iodized as required by law. These actions contravene Sections 97 and 107 of Act 851"
The FDA reiterates that the non-iodization of edible salt as required by law constitutes a major violation and is a major public health concern.
"All artisanal salt producer associations and artisanal salt producers, large-scale salt manufacturers, salt storage facility operators, salt transporters, and retailers are therefore being notified to regularise their operations with the FDA"
"Operators of artisanal salt facilities should contact the nearest FDA Office in the various regions or districts for further information and technical assistance where necessary"
The FDA stressed that the public is hereby cautioned that those who violate the provisions of salt iodisation in Act 851 will be prosecuted.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith