The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has announced that it will begin the strict enforcement of mandatory Food Hygiene Permits for all food service establishments across Ghana, effective 1st February 2026.
According to a public notice issued by the Authority, any food service establishment operating without a valid Food Hygiene Permit from the FDA will be shut down immediately. This directive serves as a final warning to all operators within the food service sector to regularize their operations.
Who Is Affected?
The enforcement applies to all food-related businesses, including but not limited to:
- Restaurants and hotels
- Lounges and chop bars
- Snack bars and bakeries
- Food vans and street food vendors
- Event caterers
- Online food businesses
- Canteens in schools, hospitals, and offices
- Any other establishment involved in food preparation, sale, or storage
Legal Backing
The FDA stated that this enforcement action is in line with Section 130 (1) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851). The law clearly states that no person is permitted to manufacture, sell, supply, or store regulated food products unless the premises are registered and approved for that purpose.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Food establishments found operating without the required permit will be closed down and will remain closed until they:
Fully comply with FDA regulations, and
Obtain a valid Food Hygiene Permit.
The Authority emphasized that this action is necessary to protect public health and safety, and operators are strongly urged to take immediate steps to comply before the enforcement date.
FDA’s Advice to Operators
The FDA is calling on all food business operators to ensure that their premises meet the required hygiene standards and that all necessary permits are obtained ahead of the deadline to avoid disruptions to their businesses.
Further Information
For inquiries or assistance, operators and members of the public are encouraged to contact the Food and Drugs Authority through its official communication channels or visit the FDA website for guidance.
