The Upper East Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has safely disposed of expired, unwholesome, unregistered, and non-conforming regulated products valued at GH¢522,475.69.
The items—comprising expired foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other consumer goods—were seized during market surveillance operations across the region in the first quarter of 2025.
Speaking to the media after the disposal exercise, Acting Regional Head, Mr. Abel Ndego, reiterated the FDA’s core mandate to safeguard public health by ensuring only safe and high-quality products reach consumers.
“Our responsibility goes beyond regulation and enforcement. It includes the safe disposal of products that pose risks to public health. Selling unregistered regulated products is a criminal offense under the Public Health Act,” Mr. Ndego stated.
He emphasized that unregistered products do not meet the FDA’s safety, efficacy, and quality standards—both locally and internationally—and therefore must not be sold, distributed, or even donated.
Mr. Ndego warned of the potential dangers of such products, including food poisoning, allergic reactions, and long-term health complications. He urged the public to refrain from purchasing unregistered items, and encouraged consumers to verify product registration numbers or consult the FDA’s website to confirm product authenticity.
He described the FDA as the “gatekeepers of public health”, committed to enforcing the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) through inspections, regulatory oversight, and public education.
Acknowledging that the FDA cannot operate in isolation, Mr. Ndego called on manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers to strictly comply with FDA protocols. This includes proper registration, labeling, hygiene, storage, advertising, and distribution standards.
He also encouraged citizens and businesses to report suspected cases of expired or unregistered products through the FDA’s whistleblower channels.
To bolster enforcement, Mr. Ndego announced that the FDA would intensify inspections, strengthen collaborations with law enforcement agencies, and roll out public awareness campaigns aimed at empowering consumers to identify and report unsafe goods.
“Let us work together to protect our health, our environment, and our economy,” he concluded.
Credit: GNA
