FDB DESTROYS UNWHOLESOME CHICKEN PRODUCTS (BACK PAGE, DEC 24, 2010)

The Food and Drugs Board (FDB) yesterday destroyed a large quantity of chicken thighs, wings and gizzards valued at GH¢200,000 at Kpone, near Tema.
The products, which were seized from some major frozen food importers comprised 2,500 cartons of chicken thighs and wings, as well as 777 boxes of gizzards.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic at the landfill site where two bulldozers were used in the destruction exercise, the Head of Import and Export Control Department of the FDB, Mr Emmanuel Yaw Kwarteng, said the products were not even fit for animal consumption and had to be destroyed.
He explained that at the beginning of December, 2010, the FDB, in collaboration with the security agencies undertook an operation to determine the wholesomeness of foods imported.
Mr Kwarteng said an inspection at the Servista Frozen Foods Company, revealed large quantities of gizzards in cold rooms.
He said the company was noted for being a major importer of animal products and some of them had already been distributed.
Mr Kwarteng said other smaller outlets which received products from Servista were also inspected and all the gizzards analysed there were found to be unwholesome and subsequently seized.
He disclosed that another importer of chicken products, Cocas Impex Company, received an import of 2,500 cartons of chicken but decided to contact the FDB to check on the status of the products .
According to Mr Kwarteng, when analysed it was detected that the chicken thighs could not even be used for poultry feed though they looked attractive.
He said the FDB would continue to monitor imports arriving at the port within the period and after the festivities to ensure that consumers bought healthy foods.
Mr Kwarteng cautioned traders who bought anything at unauthorised places to ensure that food items were wholesome .
He warned that the FDB would not shirk its responsibilities but ensure that they rid the markets and stores of all unwanted goods and foods.