FDA seizes unregistered cigarette-shaped candy in Accra

The Food and Drugs Authority, in partnership with the National Security, has confiscated unregistered cigarette-shaped candy from sale in Accra's Central Business District. The product, marketed as Cigarette Rod Lollipop, was seized over the weekend during a crackdown on its distribution. The FDA announced that the primary suspect in the sale has been apprehended and is currently under police custody for an investigation into the product's importation, distribution, and sale.

The Authority highlighted that the Cigarette Rod Lollipop lacks FDA registration, implying an unknown composition that may present a public health hazard. The candy's cigarette-like appearance was also flagged as potentially enticing children to take up smoking, undermining anti-smoking initiatives, particularly among younger demographics.

Consequently, the FDA advised the public not to buy or consume the product under any circumstances. The FDA reiterated that under Section 97(1) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), manufacturing, importing, exporting, distributing, selling, or supplying food without FDA registration is illegal, classifying the Cigarette Rod Lollipop as a food product.

The FDA urged individuals with information about individuals selling the product or other unregistered counterparts to report them to the Authority. The FDA also requested those holding the product to contact the FDA or hand it over to the nearest FDA office. The FDA emphasized that any information leading to the arrest of the importer or other individuals involved in the product's importation and distribution would be kept confidential and rewarded.