“Sukudai”, a purported heart-cleansing remedy, has been flagged by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) as harmful to human beings.

In a public notice issued by the nation's product safety regulator, it warned the general public to stay away from the product, citing that after laboratory tests detected chloroform, a toxic chemical linked to serious health risks, including cancer.

The regulator said the product, reportedly being sold mainly in Kumasi, is not registered with the authority.

The FDA’s caution comes after a viral video circulating on social media captured the substance corroding a Styrofoam plate, raising concerns about its chemical composition.

Following the video, the FAD says it collected samples and tested them in a laboratory. Results confirmed the presence of a chemical once used as an anaesthetic but no longer approved for medical use due to its toxic effects.

Consequently, the authority warned that consuming or inhaling chloroform can lead to severe health complications, including drowsiness, breathing difficulties, liver and kidney damage, loss of consciousness, cancer, and even death.

Last month, sixteen (16) food service establishments operating without valid hygiene permits in the Greater Accra Region were closed by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) on Wednesday, February 18.

Cheesecake House, Dolce Frizzante, Onda, and Alora Beach Resort, among others, were among the affected facilities.

They were shut down for failing to meet regulatory requirements. Before the exercise, the FDA had issued a two-week public notice to all food service establishments operating, instructing them to acquire a valid Food Hygiene Permit effective February 1, 2026.

The FDA had consistently warned against the sale, distribution, and consumption of unregistered and unapproved products on the Ghanaian market, particularly drugs, herbal medicines, cosmetics, and food items that had not undergone proper safety and quality checks.

In 2025, the FDA shut down Famude Catering Services in the Ashanti Region and revoked its license for illegally producing two alcoholic drinks — Kings Orange Flavoured Liqueur and Jupiter 1990.

These drinks were unregistered and were found to contain marijuana (cannabis) extracts, according to the FDA.

The matter was referred to the Suntresu District Police for investigation and prosecution.

The FDA issued a new directive last month, ordering all importers, manufacturers, and distributors of alcoholic beverages mixed with stimulants to withdraw such products from the Ghanaian market by the end of March 2026.

The regulatory authority announced this in a formal statement dated February 25, noting that the withdrawal had become necessary after it conducted an assessment on the safety of these beverages and their health implications for the public.

In the statement, the FDA said it “concluded a post-registration review of mixed drinks containing both depressant substances (alcohol) and stimulants such as caffeine, inositol, glucuronolactone, ginseng, and guarana. The assessment took into account international and regional regulatory precedents, where several countries had restricted, suspended, or banned alcoholic energy drinks due to their associated public health risks.”

It continued that the review was conducted in compliance with the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), under Sections 81 and 82(a). Section 8 empowered the FDA to conduct post-market surveillance and safety reviews of regulated products, allowing them to reassess products already approved if new evidence showed health risks, while Section 82(a) authorized the FDA to withdraw, suspend, or revoke approval of products that posed risks to public health.

One of the FDA’s major concerns was the rise in serious psychological health challenges, particularly among the youth.

“The review assessed the safety and regulatory compliance of these products on the Ghanaian market. It was conducted under Sections 81 and 82(a) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which empowered the FDA to enforce standards necessary to protect public health and safety. Growing scientific and public health evidence linked the combination of alcohol and stimulants to serious health risks and adverse psychosocial behaviours, particularly among youth, young adults, and unsuspecting consumers.”

Consequently, the FDA gave all supply chain operators 33 days to withdraw such beverages from the market or face serious sanctions for non-compliance.

“Findings from the review were supported by the FDA's Food Expert Committee, specifically the Technical Advisory Committee on Food Safety and Nutrition. Consequently, the FDA directed all importers, manufacturers, and distributors of mixed drinks containing both alcohol and stimulants to clear such products from the Ghanaian market by the end of March 2026 without sanction. Beyond this deadline, non-compliant products would attract regulatory sanctions, including withdrawal from the market. This directive took effect immediately,” the statement continued.

The FDA also ordered that “manufacturers and producers re-formulate their products to conform strictly to the approved standards for alcoholic beverages and energy drinks as separate product categories,” emphasizing its commitment to public safety and urging the general public to report any suspicious products for investigation.

“The FDA remained committed to safeguarding public health and safety, and ensuring that all food and beverage products on the Ghanaian market met approved safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Consumers were encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or non-compliant products to the FDA for necessary investigation and enforcement action,” the statement concluded.