Food Safety: Science in Action – A Conversation with FDA Ghana

In a compelling episode of The Sunshine Cruise, listeners were taken on an eye-opening journey into the world of food safety, with expert insights from two dedicated professionals from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Ghana.

Host Sandra Asante was joined by Dzigbordi Ama Bakar, Head of the Food Safety and Consumer Education Unit, and Sandra Adwoa Obiri, a passionate food safety advocate, to explore this year’s powerful message: “Food Safety: Science in Action.”

Together, they unpacked how food safety is deeply rooted in science—from the farms where food begins its journey, to the markets, kitchens, and finally, to our plates. Science, they emphasized, is not just about research in a lab; it is a practical, everyday guide that helps reduce risks and prevent foodborne illnesses.

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Science at the Heart of Food Safety

The conversation shed light on how the FDA applies scientific principles at every step of the food safety chain. From laboratory testing and surveillance to risk assessment and regulatory enforcement, the Authority uses evidence-based approaches to protect the public from food contamination and harmful practices.

Dzigbordi explained that food testing is done using internationally recognized methods to detect pathogens, chemical residues, and contaminants. These tests inform policy decisions and product approvals, ensuring that only safe food reaches the market.

Sandra Adwoa Obiri added that science also shapes FDA’s outreach and public education efforts. Complex scientific findings are simplified and transformed into practical messages through posters, school programs, community durbars, and social media campaigns—helping Ghanaians make informed choices at home and in the market.

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Simple Scientific Habits for Everyday Use

Listeners were educated on the importance of basic science-driven food safety habits like:

• Cooking foods at the right temperatures to kill germs
• Refrigerating or freezing foods properly to prevent spoilage
• Separating raw and cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination
• Washing hands thoroughly before cooking or eating
• Using clean, safe water for washing produce

These small but powerful steps, backed by science, play a huge role in preventing foodborne diseases and promoting public health.

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Science Inspires Policy, Innovation, and Awareness

The podcast also touched on how scientific research guides the creation of national food safety policies. When a food additive is banned or certain pesticide residue limits are introduced, it’s not based on fear or rumors, but on credible research and global standards.

New innovations were also discussed—such as smart packaging that detects spoilage, blockchain-based food traceability, and biosensors that can rapidly identify bacteria. These innovations are part of a global movement to make food safer, smarter, and more sustainable.

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Community Engagement and Education

The FDA team highlighted some of the educational efforts undertaken to mark World Food Safety awareness, including:

• Sensitization of schoolchildren and market women in Accra
• Street food vendor training programs
• A grand durbar at Tema Community 1 Market
• Training for school-based health facilitators
• Ongoing public education on FDA social media handles and national television/radio

The goal, they noted, is to make science-based food safety knowledge available and accessible to everyone—whether in urban centers or rural communities.

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Follow the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Ghana for more food safety updates:

Facebook | Instagram | X: @fdaghana
Email: fda@fda.gov.gh
Call/WhatsApp: 0551112224 / 0551112225

 

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