By: Kemo Kanyi
The Gambia Market Union (GMU) has reported that it has recently witnessed a massive influx of expired goods into markets across the country, notably Serekunda and Farafenni markets.
Most times in the evening around the major market centers, hawkers using wheel barrows are spotted selling goods and foodstuff at cheaper prices to consumers for family use.
The Public Relations Officer for the Gambia Market Union (GMU), Sulayman Dampha, raised concerns over what, he called, “uncontrolled influx of substandard foodstuff into the markets”, adding that it pose serious health risks to the lives of the children.
“Soft canned drinks that cost D50 each at normal market price are been sold at D10 each in the evening at Sere Kunda market and other markets. We also received information that a tin of tomato paste that is valued at D25 each at its standard quality is sold in the evening at D5 by hawkers using wheelbarrow and a packets of juice that it available for D40 each at its standard quality is also been sold in the evening market at D10 each. Those purchasing these products are our own wives and sisters who take these substandard foodstuff home and give it to our children to consume,” he told The Voice in an interview on Wednesday.
Dampha called on parents to be cautious when buying foodstuff for the consumption of children, stating that one of the reason parents are encountering frequent stomach disorder in children may be resulted from these substandard consumables, warning that the country don’t want any replica of the what happened in the past.
“We don’t want a repeat of Acute Kidney Injuries (AKI) in this country in which over 66 children tragically tied after consuming substandard pharmaceutical products. If fact, those selling these substandard products are always in panic and try to run away from you when you ask about the origin of the products that they are dealing with. The Gambian is the only country that has a place in ‘Expire Junction’ and people still go there to buy foodstuff for consumption,” he added.
He called on the central government, Food Safety and Quality Assurance Authority, the National Assembly, Ministry of Health to work towards addressing this situation in Gambian markets, adding that the border security should be vigilant about the products coming through the border.
