A group of four officers from Ghana’s National Food Safety Laboratory (NFSL), which operates under the Veterinary Services Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, have successfully completed a practical training program focused on Salmonella serotyping in the United Kingdom (UK).
This educational visit was facilitated through the Animal Health System Strengthening project, an initiative aimed at supporting overseas development.
The project is overseen by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The delegation consisted of Dr. Benjamin Kissi Sasu, Deputy Head of the Laboratory; Hawaha Korkor Ashong, Quality Manager of the laboratory; Emmanuel Gameli Adzaworlu, Technical Supervisor; and Lovelace Darko, a Veterinary Laboratory Technician.
During their visit, the team was hosted by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), an organization recognized for its expertise in this field.
Salmonella bacteria, commonly associated with causing foodborne illnesses in humans, are frequently transmitted through insufficiently cooked food and cross-contamination.
These bacteria are commonly found in raw meat, undercooked poultry (such as chicken or turkey), eggs, unpasteurized milk, and even in fruits, vegetables, and processed foods.
Although there are over 2500 known types of Salmonella, only about 100 of them are capable of causing illness.
Serotyping is a diagnostic method employed by scientists to determine the specific serotype of Salmonella present.
Identifying the particular type of Salmonella in food products or in affected individuals is crucial for tracing the source of infection, potentially mitigating outbreaks by minimizing exposure risks.
Additionally, serotyping can guide the selection of appropriate treatment for severely ill patients.
The NFSL holds the distinction of being the sole ISO-accredited Veterinary (Animal Health) Laboratory in Ghana, signifying its adherence to international standards.
The training in Salmonella serotyping provided by the prestigious Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), endorsed as a center of excellence in this domain by the World Organisation for Animal Health, is a valuable opportunity for NFSL personnel.
Looking ahead, the Animal Health Systems Strengthening project aims to equip NFSL with essential tools to apply the newly acquired knowledge and skills effectively in Accra.
Eventually, the goal is to extend this methodology to the main NFSL Sentinel sites located in Takoradi, Pong Tamale, and Kumasi.
During their time in the UK, the team engaged in productive discussions with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate regarding the monitoring of veterinary drug residues and antimicrobial resistance in food products.
The NFSL’s endeavors are pivotal in safeguarding the health of both humans and animals in Ghana.