Takoradi: Some 21 tricycle riders of the Smart Ice Company Limited have been trained on good handling, distribution, and hygiene practices in the water value chain. The training aims to enhance consumer safety and prevent contamination by building on existing practices.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. John Laryea Odai-Tettey, the Western Regional Director of the Foods and Drugs Authority (FDA), emphasized during the training that maintaining food hygiene is crucial to avoid cross-contamination. He stated that the authority is committed to ensuring that regulated products comply with established standards. Mr. Odai-Tettey highlighted the FDA's educational efforts for tricycle riders to prevent contamination from storage to distribution.
Mr. Francis Odum, Principal Regulatory Officer of the FDA, who conducted the training, underscored the importance of water safety from manufacturing through distribution to prevent diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. He advised producers to store processed water on pallets in a safe environment free from odors, sunlight, fuels, waste, or chemicals.
The Principal Regulatory Officer also advised the riders to cover the water with tarpaulin and ensure the floor of the tricycle is covered to prevent direct contact with the metal plate. He also urged them to avoid overloading, rebagging, and to practice constant hand-washing, including the use of sanitizers. Additionally, riders were instructed to use noise marks and headgear and to avoid placing water on bare floors.
Mr. Benjamin Asante, Manager of Smart Ice, expressed gratitude to the FDA for assisting in training the riders, ensuring the company remains a top-quality sachet producer in the region. He affirmed the company's commitment to continue collaborating with key regulatory agencies to maintain their standards of quality water production.
Mr. Wisdom Smart, a rider, expressed appreciation for the training and pledged to educate his customers on the importance of maintaining hygiene throughout the distribution chain.