The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has given the green light for a fast-food eatery in Accra, Marwako to begin operations again after a month of closure.
The ban was placed on Marwako’s East Legon branch following reports of food poisoning by some customers who patronized their services sometime in May, this year.
Several Twitter users narrated their ordeal after consuming food from the popular eatery. The Twitter tirade started after a user, Edward Elohim, posted that the fast-food service had given him and several others food poisoning.
Shortly, after the social media accusations, FDA followed up and shut down the eatery.
The authority, after a preliminary investigation, confirmed the allegations of food poisoning against the restaurant. It said food and drink samples collected from Marwako were contaminated
“Analyses of food samples, some juice drinks and swaps taken from the environment at the East Legon branch of Mawarko Fast Food Limited indicate that there was heavy microbial load (pathogens) which may be linked to the food borne disease reported. Samples collected from the Abelenkpe and La branches were also found to be heavily contaminated,” as stated earlier.
The FDA also established that the levels of sanitation and hygiene in the food preparation areas in all three facilities were poor.
“The temperature of deep freezers and refrigerators were far above the acceptable ranges. The handling practices of ingredients used in cooking, cooled and ready-to-eat food items were also very poor,” the statement added.
But after a month of closure, the FDA has concluded its investigations, paving way for the eatery to operate.
“Following the verification, inspection of your facility at East Legon to ascertain the level of implementation of Corrective Prevention Action (CAPA). The Foods and Drugs Authority writes to inform you that it is satisfied with the progress made with the implementation of the CAPA to forestall any future food poisoning incidence.
“The Food and Drugs Authority hereby lifts the suspension of catering services placed on your facility at East Legon. Please note that the FDA will be conducting a follow-up inspection in line with the timelines specified in your CAPA to ensure full compliance of the code of hygiene practices,” the authority said.
Below is the statement
