The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a new directive 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 product regulatory authority announced this in a formal statement dated February 25, indicating that the withdrawal has become a necessity after it conducted an assessment on the safety of these beverages and their health implications on the public.

In the statement FDA said, it“....has 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 have restricted, suspended, or banned alcoholic energy drinks due to their associated public health risks.”

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

One of FDA’s major concerns is the hike 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 empowers the FDA to enforce standards necessary to protect public health and safety. Growing scientific and public health evidence links the combination of alcohol and stimulants to serious health risks and adverse psychosocial behaviours, particularly among the youth, young adults, and unsuspecting consumers.”

Consequently, the FDA has given all supply chain operators to withdraw all such beverages from the market in the next 33 days 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 has 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 will attract regulatory sanctions, including withdrawal from the market. This directive takes effect immediately.”, the statement continued.

FDa also ordered “Manufacturers and producers are further required to re-formulate their products to conform strictly to the approved standards for Alcoholic Beverages and Energy Drinks as separate product categories” emphasisng its commitment to public safety and urging the general public to report any suspicious product for the required investigations to be conducted.

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

The FDA has up their game in their crackdown on non-compliant and unregulated eateries and other consumer services in the last few months.

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 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 in operation, 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 licence 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.

Meanwhile, about 3 months ago, the FDA ordered a market recall of the Herbal medicine, Omama Herbal Mixture. This was after the safety authority, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, conducted a market surveillance and laboratory tests on the medicine, after which they discovered it contained some harmful substances.

In a statement issued by the FDA on Friday, October 31, the regulatory body warned the public to desist from patronising the medicines.

The FDA mentioned that, while the herbal mixture has been registered as a medication for malaria and loss of appetite, it has been “ has been adulterated with Diazepam, Metronidazole, Paracetamol, and Niacinamide, which are allopathic medicines, warning that consumption of the mixture without a proper prescription has the potency to cause harm to the consumers.

“The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, carried out market surveillance and laboratory analysis of Omama Herbal Mixture. The laboratory analysis revealed that Omama Herbal Mixture….It is important to note that Omama Herbal Mixture is registered as a herbal medicinal product indicated for malaria and loss of appetite, and is not expected to contain any allopathic medicines.

The medicines found in Omama Herbal Mixture are dangerous when taken without a prescription and/or advice from a qualified health professional. The public is, therefore, advised not to patronise Omama Herbal Mixture,” parts of the statement read.

Consequently, to ensure public safety, the FDA noted that it was working in collaboration with the Herbal Company to recall the products from the market.

“Meanwhile, the FDA is working with Omama Herbal Group Limited to recall all products on the market for safe disposal and appropriate regulatory actions, including criminal prosecution. The FDA wishes to assure the public that it will not relent in its efforts to ensure public health and safety”, the statement added.

The FDA also admonished the public to help promote consumer safety by reporting any person, pharmacy or entity that will be found selling the herbal mixture.

“The public is advised to provide information on persons, pharmacies, and over-the-counter medicine sellers (OTCMS) offering Omama Herbal Mixture for sale to the nearest FDA office”, the statement concluded.