FDA warns against selling of washed-ashore fishes; offenders to face sanctions

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned people to desist from selling washed-ashore fishes, saying those found in the act will be sanctioned and dealt with according to the law.

In an exclusive interview with UniversNews, Mrs. Rhoda Appiah, Head of Communication and Public Health at the FDA hinted that culprits would be fined or imprisoned or suffer both.

“Largely, if anyone is found to have possession or is selling fishes that have been washed ashore, you’re liable to a fine or imprisonment, even both,” she said.

The directive comes after some species of fishes and dolphins were washed ashore dead at the Osu Castle Beach and Axim-Bewire beach on Friday, April 2, 2021 and over the weekend.

The FDA says laboratory investigations are currently ongoing to ascertain the cause of death of these fishes and whether such fishes are good for consumption or not.

The washed-ashore fishes typically show signs of popped out and unclear eyes, dull colouration of gills, bloating around the abdominal areas and possible oozing of foul scented fluids.

Mrs. Appiah mentioned that the FDA is also educating and sensitizing the public on how to identify these bad fishes.

In a press release dated April 5, 2021 and signed by Mrs. Rhoda Appiah, the FDA warmed the public against consuming the fish washed-ashore in view of the potential risk to health and safety.

The public is also advised to report suspected cases of possession or selling of these fishes to the Authority if they find them on the market.

Meanwhile, the FDA has dispatched its inspection teams to various fish markets around the country’s coasts where various species of fish washed ashore.

Person who wish to contact the Authority can do so through these hotlines:

FDA hotlines: 0551112224 (Calls)

                        0551112225 (WhatsApp)

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Story by: Afua Adwubi Wiafe Akenteng | universnewsroom.com