The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), in collaboration with National Security, has seized quantities of an unregistered cigarette-shaped candy being sold in Accra’s Central Business District.
The operation, conducted over the weekend, also resulted in the arrest of the key suspect allegedly involved in the sale of the product. The suspect is in police custody as investigations continue into the product’s importation, distribution and sale.
The FDA identified the product as “Cigarette Rod Lollipop” and said it is not registered with the Authority. Consequently, the composition of the product is not known, according to the FDA.
The Authority warned that the product poses a potential public health risk and expressed concern that its cigarette-like appearance could expose children to imagery associated with smoking and potentially undermine efforts to discourage tobacco use.
The FDA urged consumers not to purchase or use the product.
It also reminded the public that under Section 97(1) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), it is an offence to manufacture, import, export, distribute, sell or expose food for sale without registration by the FDA.
The Authority called on anyone who has the product in stock to contact the FDA or submit it to the nearest FDA office.
Members of the public with information on persons selling the product or other suspected unregistered products have been encouraged to contact the FDA on 055 111 2224 / 055 111 2225 or fda@fda.gov.gh.
