Authorities in Ghana have taken the issue of food safety very lightly, a lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Herman Lutterodt, has said.
He was commenting on the food poisoning situation at the Marwako restaurant, while speaking on the First Take on 3FM Friday May 13.
He said “We have taken the issue of food safety very lightly in this country. We have to be proactive to curb this menace.”
Meanwhile, 55 victims of suspected food poisoning at Marwako Restaurants have been identified and are being treated at various health facilities in parts of Accra.
The figure, according to the management, was as of Thursday, May 12, 2022.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) Alhaji Mohammed Amen Lamptey said the figure could be more because three teams have been dispatched to look for such victims.
Four branches of the food company Marwako have been shut down by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) over allegations of food poisoning.
The branches are Abelemkpe, East Legon, Spintex Road and La.
The Social media was full with reports of people who have been hospitalized at various hospitals in Accra after consuming food from Mawarko.
The situation prompted the FDA to move in and shut these branches.
Speaking to the issue on 3FM’s Sunrise on Friday hosted by Alfred Ocansey, Alhaji Ameen Lamptey, said “as at yesterday, we had gotten about 53 victims and they were family members”.
“Last night, I had a call from some people who are also victims and with this, the number could be more”.
Alhaji Lamptey said “we have asked them to come for medical treatments and Marwako is footing the bills”.
Alhaji Lamptey said even though investigations are ongoing in the suspected food poisoning at the East Legon Branch, it suspects the cause could be water contamination in the area.
“Internal investigation started on Monday. A lot of people that we spoke to give us the type of food that they bought but we have not really come out with our findings now”.
He explained that “we are trying to scrutinize them”.
“The investigations are ongoing because the food that is sold is numerous so we are finding the cause of this but there is a problem with the water situation around this jurisdiction”.
Mr. Lamptey said “some are even saying it [water challenges] could be the cause of this and that is why investigations will prove or disprove it”.
Story by: Laud Nartey