The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has ordered cold store operators in the Upper West Region, to install stand-by generators in their facilities to prevent their products from decomposing during power outages.

The FDA said it is mandatory for cold stores to have the facility to maintain the wholesomeness of their products. Mr Gordon Akurugu, Acting Regional Manager of the FDA gave the order at a meeting with some of the operators in Wa. The meeting discussed the quality and safety of fish being sold in the area, following the confiscation and destruction of unwholesome fish by the FDA.

Mr Akurugu told the operators that misleading consumers is tantamount to deceit and they could be prosecuted. He said they could not operate 50 to 80 feet containers without acquiring generators to aid their businesses. Mr Akurugu warned them that on no grounds should they convey fish in public transport and asked them to acquire cold vans for the purpose.

The FDA Manager cautioned the operators to desist from storing meat acquired from slaughter houses. He explained that infested meat from the butchers could render other products like fish and chicken parts unwholesome and fatal to consumers.

Mr Akurugu said it is not the intention of his organisation to collapse anybody’s business but rather working to protect consumers.