The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a warning about the packaging and distribution of water contaminated from illegal mining sites, referred to as "Galamsey water." The FDA has highlighted that such practices not only violate public safety standards but also pose serious health risks.
The FDA, in a statement released on Monday, October 21, 2024, urged the public to avoid engaging in these activities, stating, "We urge the public to refrain from engaging in or supporting the packaging of water contaminated from Galamsey sites or any other unwholesome sources.
These practices should be reported to the FDA for immediate action."In collaboration with security agencies, the FDA is actively working to identify and bring to justice those involved in these illegal activities.
The agency also stressed that facilities licensed for sachet water production are restricted to that purpose. "It is essential to note that a manufacturing facility licensed to produce sachet water cannot legally use its facility to produce any other products, doing so violates the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) and poses a risk to consumer safety," the statement explained.