The food hygiene and safety unit of the Department of State for Health has issued a strongly worded statement sternly warning food handlers, hackers and restaurant owners to ensure proper food handling and hygiene at all times.

According to the dispatch all people and premises involved in the food trade are to strictly abide by the requirements of the Public Health act of 1990 and the food act of The Gambia 2005 with immediate effect.

Below, we bring you the requirements set down for those involved in the food trade by the Health Departments:

All people and premises should first seek clearance from the director of health services; premises should be adequately supplied with portable water; premises should be both fly as well as dust proof; the premises should be adequately ventilated; the way and manner in which chicken legs are presently exposed for sale along public streets and open places and the market is strictly prohibited; persons involved in the roasting and selling of chicken legs along streets and in the open should desist with immediate effect; all food premises should be so constructed in a way that renders them safe and free from pests.

According to the release all these are in line with the provisions of the public health and food acts of The Gambia.

“Anybody who contravenes the above will be seriously dealt with according to law. The co-operation of the general public is hereby sought,” concluded the release.