FDA Destroys 2.5 Tons of Unsafe Products in Eastern Region

In a significant move to safeguard public health, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has successfully destroyed about 2.5 tons of unsafe products in the Eastern Region.

The destruction, which was carried out with the approval of the product owners and under strict supervision, included a variety of items such as drugs, cosmetics, canned foods, beverages, and medical equipment. These products were confiscated from information centers, supermarkets, over-the-counter medicine retailers, food outlets, and pubs across the region.

The disposal process took place at the Akwadum dumping site near Koforidua, with tight security and expert monitoring to ensure public safety. The FDA worked with specialized equipment, such as excavators and bulldozers, to carry out the destruction and to ensure an environmentally responsible disposal process.

Anita Owusu-Kuffour, the FDA’s Eastern Regional Head, spoke to the Ghana News Agency, stressing the Authority’s duty to ensure that all products in the market are safe for consumers. She reminded manufacturers and vendors of their responsibility to report unsafe or expired products for proper disposal.

“The FDA utilizes the management of the landfill site and employs the right equipment to burn, bury, crush, or churn non-conforming products to prevent scavengers from accessing them,” Owusu-Kuffour explained.

She further highlighted the FDA’s comprehensive role in overseeing the safety and quality of various products, including human and veterinary medicines, vaccines, medical devices, food items, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and even tobacco products.

This recent operation is part of the FDA’s continued efforts to ensure consumer safety by eliminating harmful goods from the market and protecting the health of the public nationwide.