Online ordering and delivery of ready-to-eat foods in Ghana: a call for policy towards ensuring food safety in the service

Mohammed Lawal; Frederick Adzitey

doi:10.18502/jfsh.v8i3.11015

Mohammed Lawal Africa Center of Excellence for Mycotoxin and Food Safety, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria.
Frederick Adzitey Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jfsh.v8i3.11015

Keywords: Consumer protection; Food delivery; Food fraud; Food regulation; Quality

Abstract

Changes in food consumption patterns have resulted in the high demand and patronage of online food ordering and delivery services in Ghana. The attention of every individual involved in the food chain is needed to ensure food safety. Since a food delivery service and person are introduced in online food ordering and delivery services, new and unique food safety challenges and concerns are created. This paper hence investigates the food safety concerns and challenges posed by online food ordering and delivery services and further provide solutions to tackle and improve food safety in the service. Additional concerns raised by food ordering and delivery services include an absence of food transport or delivery regulation in Ghana, a lack of food safety education and training for food delivery persons as well as food fraud actions like mislabeling and substitution. To boost food safety in online food ordering and delivery services, the service should be regulated by the Ghana FDA with policies and manuals that address these food safety concerns. Food meant for delivery should be packaged well to prevent contact with insects and other contaminants. Timely delivery should be a priority to make sure delivered foods are still in the right and safe temperatures for consumption.