Evaluation of surveillance system for post market activities on pre-packaged foods in Greater Accra Region, Ghana, 2021

Abstract

ObjectivesThis evaluation was to assess the usefulness and attributes of the surveillance system for post market activities on pre-packaged foods in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana and also to determine if the systems objectives are being met. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional design was used for the evaluation. Data/records on Food Market Surveillance collected between 2018 and 2020 was reviewed and key stakeholders involved in the Food Market Surveillance interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Surveillance operations were also observed. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive summary statistics. Information gathered from interviews were put under themes. ResultSome policy decision taken were based on analysis of data from the surveillance system. The system is useful in detecting trends signaling changes on label of registered prepackage food products. The system can permit assessment of the compliance of levels of importers/manufacturers; however, such analysis was not done. The system involves single step notification and processing steps and can incorporate data from other systems. Some retailers perceived the system as a hindrance to business. Completion of notification forms takes 2–5 min and 1–5 working days to process and take regulatory action. The surveillance system had a data accuracy and completeness of 94.6% (194/205) and 94.1% (193/205) respectively with less than 0.1% (3/95) double entries. The system did not have any data validation process or team in place. ConclusionThe system was partially meeting its intended objectives and found useful despite some gaps and challenges observed. The system is simple, flexible, accepted by most of the stakeholders and covers almost the entire districts in the Greater Accra Region. We recommend that data validation process or team be instituted to ensure reliability of data generated for policy and regulatory decisions.