The East Legon branch of Marwako Restaurant in Accra was closed down yesterday by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) over allegations of food poisoning by some patrons of the facility.
The authority stated that it has initiated an investigation into the claimed consumer complaints.
Mr Joseph Yaw –Bernie Bennie, Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs at the FDA, in Accra yesterday, said that a team from the FDA’s Surveillance and Food Safety branch had been dispatched to the area to examine the alleged poisoning.
Mr Bennie indicated that as part of the probe, the FDA would contact other agencies.
Meanwhile, the FDA informed the public in a statement that it will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and take appropriate measures.
“In addition, the FDA is ensuring that its protocols are strictly followed to prevent any future harm to the public,” it stated.
Some customers complained on social media about possible food poisoning after eating at the Marwako Fast Food over the weekend, according to the Ghanaian Times.
Some customers who attended the fast-food restaurant with their families were reportedly rushed to various medical facilities for treatment.
Consumers reportedly went to the health centres with reports of dysentery and stomach problems.
Some victims who shared their stories on Twitter offered a bleak picture of the problem and the danger it poses to people’s health.
“Nyaho clinic appears to have around 70 patients, all of whom became sick from Marwako,” stated one person who goes by the name Ibrah.
“I work at a hospital, and yes, we’ve had similar cases, and they’re always including a family and children. “How sad,” said another.
“We thought we were the only ones who ate their food on Saturday, May 7, and we’re still on food poisoning medicine.”