In a decisive move to safeguard consumer health, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has intensified its campaign against non-compliant medicines.
During a recent targeted operation, the regulatory body successfully confiscated a significant quantity of unapproved herbal remedies from markets in Accra.
FDA Enforcement Operation Leads to Major Seizure in Accra
The FDA conducted a rigorous market surveillance operation between November 22 and 24, 2025, targeting retail outlets at Awoshie and Boundary Road in Accra.
The result was the confiscation of 98 different unregistered herbal products. This action underscores the Authority’s zero-tolerance policy towards the distribution of medicines that have not been evaluated for safety, quality, and efficacy.
Among the seized items were popular but unapproved products, including:
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Amenazel Herbal Tonic
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Amenazel Herbal Bitters
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Poget Herbal Mixture
The presence of these well-known names on the list highlights the very real risk consumers face when purchasing seemingly popular herbal products from informal channels.
The Critical Importance of FDA Registration for Public Safety
Why is this crackdown on unregistered herbal products so vital? The FDA registration process is not a mere formality; it is a critical safeguard. Before a product is approved for public consumption, the Authority’s experts rigorously assess its formulation, manufacturing process, and labeling. This ensures the product is safe for consumption, is of consistent quality, and that its health claims are substantiated.
When herbal products bypass this essential regulatory step, they pose a significant threat to public health. Consumers have no guarantee of what they are ingesting. These products could contain:
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Undeclared or banned pharmaceutical ingredients.
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Harmful contaminants like heavy metals or pesticides.
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Inconsistent levels of active ingredients, leading to under-dosing or overdose.
The nationwide effort to remove these unregistered herbal products from the market is, therefore, a direct intervention to protect citizens from potential harm.
A Stern Warning to Traders and Manufacturers
The recent seizure serves as a powerful warning to all traders and manufacturers who continue to flout the law. The FDA has made it clear that enforcement activities will not only continue but will intensify in the coming weeks.
In a strong statement, the Authority declared, “To those selling unregistered products, we will not relent in our commitment to ensuring public health and safety, so sooner than you think we will get to you.”
This message leaves no room for ambiguity. The FDA is committed to a sustained and expanding campaign to ensure compliance across the entire supply chain.
Safe Disposal and Consumer Advisory
Following the operation, all seized unregistered herbal products will be safely disposed of in accordance with the FDA’s strict environmental and safety protocols. This prevents any chance of them re-entering the market and causing harm.
For consumers, the takeaway is clear: always look for the FDA registration number on the label of any herbal product you intend to purchase.
This simple step is your first and most important defense against potentially dangerous and unverified medicines. By choosing only approved products, you are actively participating in safeguarding your own health and supporting the FDA’s mission to ensure a safe market for all.
