The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned the public not to accept, consume, sell or distribute food and other regulated products recovered from floodwaters following the recent flooding in Accra and other affected areas.

In a food safety alert issued on Thursday, 2 July, the FDA said it had observed individuals retrieving food products and other items from floodwaters after the 29 June floods, with some claiming on social media that they intended to distribute them to the public, including students.

The Authority said it could not guarantee the safety of such products, warning that they may have been contaminated by floodwater and mishandling, posing a serious public health risk.

The FDA explained that floodwaters can contain sewage, chemicals, waste and harmful microorganisms, increasing the risk of food and water contamination and outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever and dysentery.

It advised residents in affected communities to discard any food that has come into contact with floodwater, drink only safe water and boil water for at least five minutes if its safety is uncertain.

The authority also urged the public to maintain good hygiene by washing their hands thoroughly, cleaning and disinfecting food preparation surfaces and utensils exposed to floodwater, and keeping raw and cooked foods separate to prevent cross-contamination.

The FDA further advised consumers to be cautious when purchasing food products and to report the sale or distribution of suspected flood-damaged food through its social media platforms or by calling 0551112224 or 0551112225.

It said it is working with other relevant agencies to monitor food safety in affected communities and will take the necessary regulatory action to protect public health.

"If you are not sure, don't eat. Don't purchase," the authority said.