The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has confiscated smoked and dried fish processed under unhygienic conditions after a viral video exposed unsafe fish handling practices, prompting a joint operation with the Tema Metropolitan Assembly and the Ghana Police Service.
The Authority said the operation followed the circulation of the video on social media, which showed smoked and salted (dried) fish being processed under conditions that posed a risk to public health.
A statement issued by the FDA on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, and signed by its Chief Executive Officer said a rapid response team was deployed to the location on Monday, July 27, 2026, to investigate the matter and take immediate action.
The statement said fish exposed to unhygienic conditions had been confiscated, while the processors involved were educated on the health risks associated with their practices.
It said such incidents had occurred from time to time and that the Authority had continued to work with the relevant agencies while carrying out public education on safe fish processing practices.
The FDA said it would extend its education campaign to fish processors and fishmongers in identified coastal districts to promote proper hygiene and protect public health.
It added that unsafe fish and fish products would continue to be removed from the market, while education and enforcement activities would be stepped up.
The Authority advised the public to buy smoked and dried fish only from clean and reputable sources. Consumers were also urged to inspect fish before buying and avoid products with an offensive odour, unusual colour, signs of contamination or spoilage.
The FDA further advised consumers to wash smoked or dried fish thoroughly before cooking and to cook the fish properly before eating.
It appealed to the public to report suspected unhygienic food processing, storage or sale to the nearest FDA office or local assembly. The Authority also urged the public to remain calm and continue observing good food safety practices while investigations and enforcement actions continue.
