The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has announced that, effective 1st February 2026, all food service establishments operating without a valid Food Hygiene Permit will be shut down.
The directive, which serves as a final warning, applies to all food businesses including restaurants, lounges, hotels, chop bars, snack bars, food vans, bakeries, event caterers, online food businesses, and canteens in schools, hospitals, and offices.
According to a statement signed by the Ag. Chief Executive Officer of the FDA, this enforcement action is in strict accordance with Section 130 (1) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which prohibits the manufacture, sale, supply, or storage of food products in premises not registered for that purpose.
The statement added that establishments found non-compliant will remain closed until they regularize their operations and obtain the required Food Hygiene Permit. The FDA is urging all food operators to take immediate steps to ensure compliance, highlighting that the measure is critical for public health and safety.
“The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) wishes to inform the general public that, effective 1st February 2026, all food service establishments operating without a valid Food Hygiene Permit will be closed down. This directive, which serves as a final warning applies to all food businesses such as restaurants, lounges, hotels, chop bars, snack bars, food vans, bakeries, event caterers, online food businesses, canteens (in schools, hospitals, offices), and all other establishments involved in food service.
”This enforcement action is in strict accordance with Section 130 (1) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which states that a person shall not manufacture for sale, sell, supply or store products regulated under this Part except in premises registered for that purpose under this Part,” the statement read.
Food businesses with questions or concerns are advised to reach out to the FDA through their official contacts.
Source: Emmanuel Sarpong
