FDA Orders Withdrawal of Alcoholic Energy Drinks from Ghanaian Market

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has ordered the immediate removal of mixed drinks containing both alcohol and stimulants from the Ghanaian market, citing mounting scientific evidence linking such products to serious health and behavioural risks, particularly among young people.

In a regulatory notice issued in Accra on February 25, 2026, the Authority announced that it had concluded a post-registration review of beverages that combine depressant substances such as alcohol with stimulants including caffeine, inositol, glucuronolactone, ginseng and guarana.

According to the FDA, the review was informed by international and regional regulatory precedents, where several jurisdictions have restricted, suspended or outright banned alcoholic energy drinks over public health concerns.

The assessment, conducted under Sections 81 and 82(a) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), examined both the safety and regulatory compliance of the products currently on the Ghanaian market. The law empowers the FDA to enforce standards necessary to protect public health and safety.

The Authority said growing scientific and public health evidence associates the combined consumption of alcohol and stimulants with heightened health risks and adverse psychosocial behaviours — a pattern found to be particularly prevalent among youth, young adults and unsuspecting consumers.

Findings from the review were endorsed by the FDA’s Food Expert Committee, specifically its Technical Advisory Committee on Food Safety and Nutrition.

Clearance Deadline

Consequently, the FDA has directed all importers, manufacturers and distributors of such mixed drinks to clear them from the market by the end of March 2026. The Authority indicated that this grace period allows operators to withdraw the products without sanctions.

However, it warned that beyond the March deadline, any non-compliant products will attract regulatory sanctions, including compulsory withdrawal from the market. The directive takes immediate effect.

Manufacturers have also been instructed to reformulate their products to ensure strict compliance with approved standards for alcoholic beverages and energy drinks as separate product categories.

The FDA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that all food and beverage products available in Ghana meet established safety, quality and regulatory requirements.

Consumers have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or non-compliant products to the Authority for investigation and enforcement action.

 

 

For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBSs55E50UqNPvSOm2z

The post FDA Orders Withdrawal of Alcoholic Energy Drinks from Ghanaian Market appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

Read Full Story