WHAT IS NOT INSPECTED CANNOT BE EXPECTED

On 21st May, 2021, Blow Chem Industries Limited, manufacturers of Bel-Aqua mineral water and other beverages were duly certified by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) having gone through an expensive Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system training to support their manufacturing processes. The event was held at Chrismon Hotel Ltd, Tema, Community 5.

Mrs. Akua Amartey,Deputy Chief Executive Officer responsible for Technical Operations

In a remark delivered on behalf of the Chief Executive of the FDA, Mrs. Delese Darko, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer responsible for Technical Operations, Mrs. Akua Amartey indicated that the "Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system is a widely acclaimed food safety management tool which is applicable throughout the food supply chain ("from farm-to-fork continuum"). It is a tool that allows for a scientific systematic approach to food safety hazards identification, evaluation, and control. These food safety hazards refer to agents in food that have the potential to cause illness, injury or death when ingested with food."

She added that, the FDA through a multi-sectoral approach seeks to strengthen collaborations across various government sectors and within industry to promote food safety issues. For instance, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health, the FDA will soon roll-out a comprehensive National Food Safety Policy as part of efforts to streamline the fragmented approaches to food safety controls in Ghana.

The Head of Food Industrial Support Services Department of the Food and Drugs Authority, Mr. Kofi Essel expressed satisfaction with the quality of HACCP training that the FDA has delivered and assured the company of the Authority's continuous support to ensure the attainment of the gold standard among industries to ensure public health and safety.

Mrs. Akua Amartey(in the middle) flanked by some officials of FDA and the Blow Chem Industries

In response, to the gesture, Mr. Ruben Kordorwu, a member of HACCP Team at the Blow Chem Industries Limited stated that this HACCP Certification constitutes a great feat for the company and a testament of good teamwork and determination by various departments of their company to produce high quality products for the Ghanaian market and beyond. He further indicated that this HACCP certification will enhance their operations and service delivery and assured the Food and Drugs Authority that the company will live up to expectation and become an HACCP model company for all.