{
  "id": 4663430,
  "title": "FDA seizes unregistered cigarette-shaped candy in Accra",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/fda-seizes-unregistered-cigarette-shaped-candy-in-accra",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-31T15:23:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/fda-seizes-unregistered-cigarette-shaped-candy-in-accra-2/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), working alongside National Security, has confiscated unregistered cigarette-shaped candy for sale in Accra's Central Business District (CBD). This action came after a weekend crackdown on the product's sale. The FDA seized the Cigarette Rod Lollipop, which is branded with a cigarette shape. During the operation, the FDA arrested the primary suspect in the sale and apprehended them for further investigation. The FDA warned that the Cigarette Rod Lollipop lacks FDA registration, meaning its ingredients remain unknown and could pose a health risk. The agency highlighted the potential for the candy's cigarette-like design to spark interest in smoking, particularly among children. According to the FDA, this could undermine the country's anti-smoking efforts, especially among young people. Consequently, the FDA urged the public against purchasing or consuming the product. The FDA cited Section 97(1) of the 2012 Public Health Act, which prohibits the manufacture, import, export, distribution, or sale of unregistered food products. The FDA requested the public to report any information regarding sellers of the product or other unregistered items. They also urged those holding the product to contact the FDA or deliver it to the nearest FDA office. The FDA promised to handle any information leading to the arrest of the importer or other parties involved confidentially and reward those who provide such information.",
  "summary": "The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), in collaboration with the National Security, has seized quantities of unregistered cigarette-shaped candy being sold in the Central Business District (CBD) of Accra. The product, branded as Cigarette Rod Lollipop, was seized during a crackdown on its sale over the weekend. The FDA reports that the key suspect involved … The post FDA seizes unregistered…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ghanaian Times",
        "title": "FDA seizes unregistered cigarette-shaped candy in Accra",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/fda-seizes-unregistered-cigarette-shaped-candy-in-accra-4663433",
        "published": "2026-08-31T14:48:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}