Sanctions alcohol promotion in schools, recalls adulterated drinks, seizes unregistered imports and destroys banned food products

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has intensified enforcement actions across the country, targeting a wide range of regulatory violations, including inappropriate alcohol advertising in schools, the circulation of unregistered and adulterated products, and the handling of banned food items.

In one instance, the Authority acted on a formal complaint from a non-governmental organisation regarding alcohol promotion at a second-cycle institution. The incident, which occurred during the 10th Anniversary Torch and Bonfire Night of Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC), Legon, was found to be in violation of regulations governing alcohol advertising.

Investigations confirmed that an alcohol company had promoted its products during the event, contrary to guidelines that prohibit such activities within educational institutions. The FDA subsequently issued notices to the Ghana Education Service (GES), urging strict compliance, while also informing the management of PRESEC, Legon, which was found to be unaware of the breach. The company involved, Accra Brewery Limited, has since been sanctioned in accordance with regulatory provisions.

In a related development, the Authority ordered the recall of “Choice Irish Cream Flavoured Drink,” a product manufactured by 1 Africa Industries Limited, after routine market surveillance revealed it had been adulterated. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of Sildenafil Citrate, an undeclared pharmaceutical substance not permitted in food or beverage products, rendering the drink unsafe for consumption.

An immediate recall was initiated, with distribution channels traced to remove affected batches from the market. Retrieved products have since been detained, while the manufacturer has been sanctioned in line with applicable regulations.

The FDA also detained and seized quantities of unregistered Malta Guinness products found on the Ghanaian market following an intelligence and investigation concerning imports from Nigeria. Although parallel importation is permitted under specific conditions, the Authority emphasised that such products must be registered prior to sale.

Investigations established that the imported products had not received the required approval, as only the locally manufactured Ghanaian variant had been registered at the time. Targeted market surveillance led to the seizure of the products, while importers involved were sanctioned and directed to regularise their operations. Some have since initiated the registration process.

Meanwhile, the Authority, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, carried out an operation at the Tema Harbour following intelligence reports on the storage and distribution of banned food products. The exercise led to the discovery of quantities of Turkey Tail (Tsofi) and “Chicken Feet” at cold storage facilities.

The banned products were confiscated, and the operators were engaged in line with regulatory procedures. Subsequently, the responsible parties were directed to undertake safe disposal of the items under the supervision of the FDA to ensure they were permanently removed from trade.

As part of broader surveillance efforts, the Food Inspectorate and Enforcement Directorate also embarked on a nationwide exercise targeting unlicensed manufacturing facilities, cold stores, retail shops and warehouses. The operation focused on identifying facilities operating without valid licences, as well as the sale and storage of unregistered food products. Several non-compliant entities were sanctioned, with the exercise yielding significant enforcement outcomes and their activities brought into compliance.

The FDA has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health through sustained surveillance, strict enforcement and continuous public education, warning that individuals and institutions found to be in violation of regulatory requirements will face the full rigour of the law.