Accra, June 25, GNA - All persons involved in the preparation of food for public consumption should undergo examination and obtain a medical certificate declaring them fit to do so, Mrs Edith Addo, Chairperson of the Indigenous Caterers Association of Ghana (ICAG), has said.

Speaking at a meeting of the Association in Accra, she explained that they needed the medical certificate to ensure that they did not pass on sicknesses to people who patronised the food they sell. Mrs Addo also asked them to ensure that their workers also had the medical clearance, saying, "You should not employ people who do not have the medical certificate or ensure that they get one".

She also advised them to maintain sanitation and environmental cleanliness around their area of operation to protect public health. The ICAG Chairperson announced that the Ministry of Tourism had arranged a three-day workshop for the members of the Association from the 12th of July and urged them to take advantage of the training to update their skills.

Mrs Addo said the Association, which is open to all indigenous caterers aims at promoting efficient methods of cooking healthy food for the public through training courses, seminars and workshops. She said it is also to clarify government policies on food, health, sanitation and taxation and to collaborate with government agencies to maintain standards in the cooking industry.

Mr William Lomo Tettey of the Environmental Health Department of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), advised the caterers to maintain personal hygiene and to ensure clean surroundings.

He pointed out that 60 per cent of sicknesses could be prevented since they were the result poor environmental cleanliness and asked them to help the AMA to maintain sanitation in the city. Mr Tettey also asked them to obtain the medical certificate and to ensure healthy surroundings to avoid prosecution. He advised the Association to arrange for the members to be tested and given the certificate at one place to avoid any inconvenience to their operation.

The AMA official said his outfit was to start an operation to ensure that food vendors who moved from place to place also had the certificate and said the Assembly would deal sternly with those caught. An official of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) advised them to meet their tax obligations.