The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned the public against the purchase and use of falsified ‘Dr Alfred Capsules’, a dietary supplement marketed for male vitality and being sold on various social media platforms.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the FDA said the product being circulated has not been registered by the Authority and poses a serious public health risk.
According to the FDA, regulatory intelligence and subsequent enforcement operations have uncovered an organised syndicate operating in Accra and Suhum, allegedly involved in the manufacture and distribution of the falsified capsules across the country.
The Authority said two suspects linked to the illicit operation are currently on police enquiry bail and are assisting with ongoing investigations.
The FDA further disclosed that the falsified capsules are manufactured in unauthorised, unregulated and unhygienic environments, raising concerns about their safety and quality.
“Laboratory analysis conducted by the FDA’s Centre for Laboratory Services and Research (CLSR) found that the falsified Dr Alfred Capsules had been adulterated with Sildenafil citrate. Sildenafil citrate is a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, a drug substance used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men and pulmonary arterial hypertension,” FDA explained.
The FDA stressed that sildenafil is a prescription-only medicine and is not declared as an ingredient in the falsified dietary supplement.
The Authority said the genuine Dr Alfred Capsules registered in Ghana do not contain sildenafil citrate.
The registered product is manufactured by CV Al Manar Herbafit, based in Bantul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and is registered as a food supplement by Unateus Ghana Limited.
FDA identifies differences between genuine and falsified products.
The FDA has outlined several features that can help consumers and retailers distinguish the registered product from the falsified versions.
The genuine product comes in a pack of 30 capsules only, with high-quality container material, distinctive text alignment and premium exterior finishing.
The falsified versions, however, have been identified in 30- or 60-capsule packs, with low-quality container materials, inferior print resolution, and blurred or altered typography.
The Authority also noted that the genuine product has clear and traceable batch numbers that match on both the label and the base of the container.
The falsified products, on the other hand, do not have matching batch numbers on the label and container base and may carry fictitious FDA registration numbers.
FDA issues warning to public, retailers
The FDA has advised members of the public to desist from purchasing medicines, herbal remedies and dietary supplements from unverified online networks and social media handles.
It has also directed pharmacies, herbal shops and distributors to immediately inspect their stocks and report any suspected falsified products to the Authority.
Anyone who has the falsified Dr Alfred Capsules in their possession has been advised to return them immediately to the nearest FDA regional office.
The FDA said it is continuing with market surveillance and digital monitoring operations aimed at ensuring that all remaining falsified variants of the product are removed from circulation.
The Authority is also urging anyone with information about the falsified Dr Alfred Capsules or any other suspected falsified products to report the information through its official channels.
The FDA reiterated its warning that consumers should verify the registration status and source of health products before purchasing or using them, particularly products promoted through social media platforms.
