A regulatory officer with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in the Upper East Region, Ahmed Fadlur-Rahaman, has called on consumers to exercise caution when purchasing products during the festive season, warning that heightened commercial activity often brings increased risks.
He noted that, in the rush to clear stock ahead of Christmas and the New Year, some retailers promote products under sales campaigns aimed at quickly offloading goods—some of which may be close to their expiry dates. While discounted sales are not inherently wrong, he advised consumers to carefully examine products before buying.
“As the Christmas season approaches, many consumers and sellers want to get rid of excess stock, pushing it with the notion of ‘reduced to clear.’ That’s fine, we’re not disputing that, but if you are buying such products, make sure you check. Sometimes when the expiration date is near, they push it closer to you,” he said.
Mr. Fadlur-Rahaman urged consumers to be mindful of the quantity of products they buy and avoid items they cannot consume before the expiry date. He observed that some retailers knowingly sell near-expiry products, prioritizing profit over public health.
He further advised consumers buying meat and other perishables, especially from cold stores, to carefully check the appearance and smell of products before purchase. Any item that appears unwholesome, he said, should be avoided and reported to the FDA.
“When you go to cold stores, make sure you check for smells and appearance,” he stressed.
Mr. Fadlur-Rahaman also cautioned against taking product safety for granted, emphasizing that falling ill due to unsafe products results in additional medical expenses—costs that retailers do not bear.
“A lot of people are trying to make money off innocent consumers, so don’t take things for granted. Your health is important because if you fall sick, it’s money you will spend to treat yourself, and the retailer doesn’t care. It’s his money he wants,” he said.
He urged retailers to be equally vigilant when sourcing products from suppliers, noting that unwholesome items are sometimes mixed with safe ones before distribution. He stressed the need for thorough inspection of all products, regardless of quantity, before they enter the market.
The FDA continues to intensify surveillance and public education efforts during the festive season to safeguard consumer health and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1Mhz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
