The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned the public against purchasing food and beverages that were affected by the recent floods and subsequently washed, cleaned or repackaged for sale.

The Authority said flood-damaged products may remain contaminated even after their external packaging has been cleaned, potentially exposing consumers to serious health risks.

The warning follows complaints received by the FDA about a beverage distributor whose shop at Alajo was flooded.

According to the Authority, the distributor allegedly moved the affected products to a residence at Bubiashie, where they were being washed and prepared for resale.

FDA investigations uncovered about one truckload of bottled water and soft drinks, with mud covering the packs and bottles. The products were seized and are to be safely disposed of.

The FDA also disclosed that the Kaneshie Police received a similar complaint, leading to the arrest and subsequent granting of bail to the owner of the affected products. A similar quantity of flood-damaged beverages was also seized.

The Authority explained that floodwater can contain sewage, refuse and other harmful contaminants. It warned that washing the exterior of bottles or shrink-wrapped packs does not make the contents safe for consumption.

According to the FDA, floodwater can compromise bottle caps, seals and other forms of packaging when products are submerged, increasing the risk of contamination and diseases such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery.

Consumers have therefore been advised to avoid food and beverages showing mud stains, watermarks or other signs of damage to the packaging, bottles, caps or labels.

The public has also been urged to be cautious when purchasing products from unusual locations or in bulk from sellers whose sources cannot be verified.

The FDA further directed manufacturers, distributors and retailers whose products were affected by the floods not to wash, repackage, relabel or resell them.

Instead, affected products should be quarantined and the nearest FDA office contacted for verification and safe disposal.

The Authority warned that failure to comply with the directive constitutes an offence and could attract sanctions under the law.

The FDA said it would continue surveillance and enforcement operations in flood-affected communities to protect public health.

Members of the public who come across flood-damaged food or beverages being sold have been encouraged to report such cases to the nearest FDA office or police station.