The Upper East Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has safely disposed of expired, unwholesome, unregistered, and non-conforming regulated products worth GH¢522,475.69.
The products — comprising expired food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other consumer goods — were seized during FDA market surveillance operations conducted across the region in the first quarter of 2025.
Addressing journalists after the disposal, the Acting Regional Head of the FDA, Abel Ndego, said the Authority’s mandate is to safeguard public health by ensuring that only safe and high-quality products reach consumers.
“This mission does not end at regulation and enforcement; it extends to the responsible disposal of items that pose potential harm. The sale of unregistered regulated products is in contravention of the Public Health Act and considered a crime,” Mr. Ndego added.
He said the safety, efficacy, and quality of unregistered products were not approved through the Authority’s local and international standards, and insisted that such products could not be offered for sale, distribution, or even donated as gifts.
The Acting Head noted that the risk of unknown and potential harm posed by such products is a serious threat to public health.
“We use this platform to appeal to the public to desist from buying unregistered products.
“All products registered by the Authority have designated registration numbers, which patrons or consumers can use as verification. Consumers can also check the Authority’s website for the list of registered products to verify their status when in doubt,” he said.
Mr. Ndego stressed that consuming expired or contaminated products could lead to food poisoning, severe allergic reactions, and long-term health complications.
He noted that the FDA recognises its role as “gatekeepers of public health” and that through inspections, regulatory frameworks, and public engagement, the Authority ensures compliance with the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).
Mr. Ndego acknowledged that the FDA could not succeed in its role alone and urged business owners, manufacturers, and distributors to adhere strictly to FDA-approved protocols.
He admonished them to register all regulated products, comply with labelling requirements, and maintain good manufacturing, hygiene, storage, and distribution practices, as well as conformance to advertisement regulations.
He further encouraged consumers and business owners to report suspicious activities related to expired goods through the FDA’s whistleblower channels.
To strengthen enforcement, Mr. Ndego said the FDA is intensifying inspections, collaborating with law enforcement agencies, and introducing public awareness campaigns to empower citizens with knowledge on identifying and reporting expired goods in circulation.
“Let us work together to protect our health, our environment, and our economy,” the Acting Head appealed to stakeholders.
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