FDA Shuts Down 16 Food Service Establishments in Greater Accra for Operating Without Valid Hygiene Permits
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana has enforced a strict crackdown on non-compliant food businesses, closing down 16 establishments in the Greater Accra Region on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, for operating without valid Food Hygiene Permits.
The affected facilities, which failed to meet mandatory regulatory requirements, include popular spots such as The Cheesecake House, Dolce Frizzante, Onda, and Alora Beach Resort, along with several other eateries, restaurants, and related venues identified during inspections.
This decisive action follows a two-week public notice issued by the FDA, which warned that effective February 1, 2026, all food service establishments lacking a valid Food Hygiene Permit would face immediate closure. The directive was widely communicated through the FDA’s official social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn, emphasizing zero tolerance for non-compliance.
The enforcement applies to a wide range of food-related operations, including restaurants, lounges, hotels, chop bars, snack bars, food vans, bakeries, event caterers, online food vendors, and canteens in schools, hospitals, and offices. The FDA reiterated that these measures are grounded in Section 130(1) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which prohibits the handling, sale, or supply of food products from unregistered or unpermitted premises.
In its announcement, the Authority reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring strict adherence to approved hygiene standards and good manufacturing practices. Establishments found in violation will remain closed until owners complete the necessary regularization processes and obtain the required permits.
The move comes amid growing concerns over food safety and hygiene in urban areas, with the FDA signaling that similar inspections and enforcement actions could extend nationwide if non-compliance persists.
Owners of the affected businesses have been advised to contact the FDA promptly to initiate the permitting process. The Authority urged the public to patronize only licensed and compliant food outlets and to report any suspected violations.
