The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has ordered the immediate removal of beverages that combine alcohol with stimulants from the Ghanaian market, citing mounting public health concerns.
In a public announcement, the Authority revealed that it had concluded a post-registration assessment of alcoholic drinks infused with stimulants such as caffeine, inositol, glucuronolactone, ginseng and guarana. The review drew on international and regional regulatory precedents, highlighting that a number of countries have restricted, suspended or outright banned alcoholic energy drinks over safety risks.
The FDA explained that available scientific data and public health research associate the simultaneous intake of alcohol — a depressant — and stimulants with significant health dangers and harmful psychosocial effects. Young people, particularly adolescents and young adults, were identified as the most vulnerable group, alongside unsuspecting consumers.
The evaluation was undertaken pursuant to Sections 81 and 82(a) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), with technical backing from the FDA’s Food Expert Committee, including its Technical Advisory Committee on Food Safety and Nutrition.
Following the findings, the Authority has instructed all importers, producers and distributors of the affected products to withdraw them from circulation by the end of March 2026 without penalty. However, any items that remain on sale after the stated deadline will face enforcement measures, including compulsory removal.
The directive has taken immediate effect. Manufacturers have further been advised to reformulate their beverages to meet approved standards, ensuring that alcoholic drinks and energy drinks are produced and marketed strictly as separate product categories.
The FDA reiterated its resolve to protect public health and called on consumers to stay alert and report any questionable or non-compliant products to facilitate prompt investigation and regulatory action.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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