The initiative is aimed at reaching-out to all cottage industries with support, training and education on the modus of operandi of the Authority to enable them to operate legally and ethically.

Mr John Odai-Tettey, the Regional Director of FDA disclosed this in an interview with the GNA on the side-lines of a day's sensitisation workshop for 25 selected players in the cottage industry.

It formed part of the FDA's mandate of ensuring public health as well as the safety of consumers by regulating all food substances, drugs, cosmetics, chemical substances, medical devices either locally manufactured or imported, sold or used.

The FDA is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of the nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.

Mr Odai-Tettey indicated that the engagement was essential to deepen their knowledge, expertise and understanding of the basic requirements of FDA to enable the players to produce for the global market with consciousness on safety and ethical practices to safeguard public health .

He affirmed that the exercise would be sustained to stimulate the rapid growth of local companies to expand, increase profit margins, while creating jobs for the unemployed youth.

That, according to him was relevant to survive in a highly competitive and dynamic business environment with ease in market penetration, and up-to-date knowledge in processing methodologies.

Mr.Odai-Tettey said "the FDA is determined to ensure that our cottage industries penetrate the bigger markets - the ultra-modern supermarkets with their products that meet international standards to facilitate their growth."

It was the surest way to bring economic relief and prosperity to entrepreneurs for their investments while accelerating the national quest for rapid industrialisation, he said.

A beneficiary of the programme, Mrs. Theresa Kwegyir-Aggrey, Manageress of Origano Plantain Chips, described their renewed efforts to help cottage industries as apt and called for its sustenance.

She, however, called on players in the industry to effectively collaborate with the Authority to register their businesses to avoid any sanctions.

The participants were schooled on major topics including; laws governing the FDA's mandate, regulatory requirements, licensing and product registration among others.