The Upper East Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has successfully disposed of expired, unsafe, unregistered, and non-compliant regulated products valued at GH¢522,475.69.
These products, which included expired food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other consumer items, were seized during FDA market surveillance operations conducted across the region in the first quarter of 2025.
Speaking to the press after the disposal, the Acting Regional Head of the FDA, Abel Ndego, emphasized that the Authority’s primary responsibility is to protect public health by ensuring that only safe and high-quality products reach consumers.
“Our work goes beyond regulation and enforcement; it also includes the safe disposal of products that could pose harm. Selling unregistered regulated products is illegal under the Public Health Act and is considered a criminal offense,” Mr. Ndego stated.
He pointed out that the safety, effectiveness, and quality of unregistered products have not been verified according to the Authority’s national and international standards, making such products unacceptable for sale, distribution, or donation.
The Acting Head highlighted that such products pose a serious threat to public health due to the risks of unknown harmful effects.
“We urge the public to avoid purchasing unregistered products. All FDA-approved products are assigned registration numbers, which consumers can use to verify their authenticity. The FDA’s website also provides a list of registered products for easy verification,” he advised.
Mr. Ndego cautioned that consuming expired or contaminated products could result in food poisoning, severe allergic reactions, or long-term health issues.
He affirmed the FDA’s role as “gatekeepers of public health” and reiterated the importance of inspections, regulatory frameworks, and public engagement to ensure adherence to the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).
While acknowledging the FDA’s efforts, Mr. Ndego called for greater collaboration from business owners, manufacturers, and distributors, urging them to strictly follow FDA-approved procedures, including proper product registration, accurate labeling, and adherence to hygiene, storage, distribution, and advertising standards.
He also encouraged both consumers and businesses to report suspicious activities related to expired goods through the FDA’s whistleblower channels.
To enhance enforcement, Mr. Ndego announced that the FDA is ramping up inspections, collaborating with law enforcement agencies, and launching public awareness campaigns to help citizens identify and report expired goods.
“Together, we can protect our health, environment, and economy,” he appealed to all stakeholders.
