Former FDA Boss Criticizes Lamens Investments for Food Safety Violations in Rice Re-Bagging Scandal
Alhaji Hudu Mogtari, former CEO of Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), has accused Lamens Investments Africa Company Limited of violating multiple food safety regulations during the recent “expired rice for SHS” scandal. The controversy centers around the re-bagging of 22,000 bags of rice, which was intended for Senior High Schools (SHS) across Ghana. According to Alhaji Mogtari, the company’s actions breached at least three FDA guidelines: re-bagging the rice without prior approval, using an unlicensed facility for repackaging, and misleadingly altering the labels on the rice bags. While he acknowledged that the FDA has the authority to extend the rice’s “Best-Before” date after proper verification, he stressed that Lamens Investments’ failure to follow FDA standards raises serious ethical and legal concerns.
Specifically, Alhaji Mogtari highlighted Lamens Investments' non-compliance with FDA regulations concerning the repackaging of food products. He referenced guideline 3.1.1, which explicitly prohibits any repackaging operations without FDA authorization and supervision. Additionally, the former FDA boss pointed to guideline 3.1.4, requiring that all repackaged food items must have accurate and consistent labeling, including details like the best-before date, batch number, and ingredients list. Alhaji Mogtari further cited guideline 3.1.6, emphasizing that any facility engaging in repackaging must be properly licensed according to FDA’s standards. He concluded that Lamens Investments’ actions, from unauthorized repackaging to deceptive labeling, constituted serious violations of these guidelines.
The FDA responded to the controversy by imposing a GH¢100,000 fine on Lamens Investments, citing multiple regulatory breaches but clarifying that the fine was not due to the quality of the rice, which had been imported from India. The FDA explained that the primary issue was the company’s failure to secure approval before repackaging, a necessary step to guarantee compliance with safety standards. Alhaji Mogtari has since urged a thorough investigation into the matter and called for stricter penalties if further violations are uncovered. Despite initial approval for an extended “Best-Before” date, the former FDA chief underscored the need for adherence to food safety regulations to maintain public trust and ensure the integrity of productsucts.
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