Marwako Fast Food Limited has revealed plans to appeal a court ruling that slapped the firm with a GH₵1million damages in a food poisoning case.
In May 2022, some customers who had patronised Marwako’s East Legon branch complained of discomfort, with some hospitalized for days.
After collecting some samples, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) shut down the restaurant.
Further investigation by the FDA into the alleged food poisoning incident revealed contamination of food and drinks consumed by the victims.
The FDA also established that the levels of sanitation and hygiene in the food preparation areas in all three facilities were poor, leading to the recent judgment.
The plaintiffs in the case, all siblings, are Winifred Tse, Rodger Bismark Tse and Walter Tse.
The plaintiffs were awarded an amount of GH₵345,000 as general damages and will jointly receive special damages of GH₵25,215.48.
Also, the court awarded GH₵10,000 against the defendant [Marwako] for the plaintiffs’ legal representation costs and overall litigation expenses.
It was the court’s view that Marwako Fast Food breached its obligation of duty of care to its customers, and thus the over GH₵1m charge.
However, Marwako has expressed its displeasure with the high court’s order to pay victims over GH₵1m.
“Marwako Fast Food Limited vehemently disagrees with the judgment. There is no factual or legal basis for the judgment and we’re still working around the clock, our lawyer and his team are scrutinising the judgment.
“By Monday we should file to appeal whatever happened at the court,” Mohammed Amin Lamptey, spokesperson for the food company said.