The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that it will be unable to conclude its investigation into food poisoning charges against Marwako Restaurant in seven (7) days.
In an interview with Citinews, the FDA’s Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs, Joseph Bernie, stated that the agency would require ample time to undertake a full investigation.
“Investigations are ongoing. We have taken samples. It shouldn’t take less than 7 days because of laboratory work. We need to (examine) the samples for microbial contamination and other things. So you give yourself about 7 days. There can be preliminary results.
If you have to have the final results, it shouldn’t take you less than 7 days,” he told Citinews.
Also, Mr Bernie announced the closure of two other branches of Marwako Restaurant. He said the Abelemkpe and Labadi branches have been shut down because of unsanitary conditions.
“We have been to two other branches and based on what we saw on the ground and part of the investigation, we had to suspend operations to those two other branches for investigations to continue. We found things that were not in line with good kitchen and storage practices.”
He added: “We have suggested measures for those two branches to deal with while we deal with the main issue at the East Legon branch. For these two branches, there are things to be done and if they are able to do this as quickly as possible, we will review that decision.”
On Thursday, May 12, Marwako Restaurant’s East Legon branch was closed by the FDA after some Twitter users reported feeling unwell after they dined at the eatery over the weekend.
One of the complainants, Edward Elohim stated that he is one of 70 patients being treated at Nyaho Clinic.
After closing the facility, the FDA has assured the public of its commitment to thoroughly investigate the matter, as well as, take actions to avoid a recurrence.
Meanwhile, Amin Lamptey, the Public Relations Officer for Mawarko, has apologized for the inconvenience caused and revealed that the company is partly footing the medical bills of the affected persons.
“We visited some of our customers at the hospital and those who were discharged, we visited them at home. We assisted some of them with their hospital bills. The main thing started on Saturday and Sunday evening. We have accepted everything, and we have apologised to the victims.”
Source: The Independent Ghana
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