FDA Seizes Cigarette-Shaped Sweets In Accra, Arrests Seller

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has seized quantities of an unregistered confectionery shaped like cigarettes in Accra’s Central Business District, with one person arrested over the sale of the product.

The product, branded “Cigarette Rod Lollipop”, was seized during an enforcement operation carried out by the FDA and National Security over the weekend.

The suspect, who is in police custody, is assisting investigations into the importation, distribution and sale of the sweets, the FDA said in a statement issued on Monday, 31 August.

The operation followed public complaints and social media posts about the sale of the cigarette-shaped sweets at Makola Market.

The FDA said the product has not been registered with the Authority, meaning its composition has not been assessed and approved under Ghana’s food safety requirements.

It has advised members of the public not to buy or consume the product.

The Authority also raised concerns about the appearance of the confectionery, particularly its potential effect on children.

It said cigarette-shaped products could help normalise smoking behaviour among children and undermine efforts to prevent tobacco use.

The seizure also relates to Ghana’s restrictions on the depiction and advertising of tobacco products.

Under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) and the Tobacco Control Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2247), the depiction and advertising of tobacco and tobacco-related products are prohibited.

Separately, Section 97(1) of Act 851 makes it an offence to manufacture, import, export, distribute, sell or expose food for sale without the required registration. The FDA said the confectionery falls within the definition of food under the law and is therefore subject to registration requirements.

The FDA has asked traders and individuals who may still have the sweets in stock to contact the Authority or surrender the products at the nearest FDA office.

It has also appealed to members of the public to report anyone selling the sweets or other suspected unregistered food products.

The Authority said information leading to the arrest of importers or others involved in the distribution of the product would be treated confidentially and could attract a reward.

The FDA’s action forms part of its wider market surveillance and enforcement mandate. The regulator says it has zero tolerance for unregistered imported products and can confiscate or dispose of regulated products brought into Ghana without the required approval. (Food And Drugs Authority)

The FDA is responsible for regulating food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, household chemicals and tobacco products in Ghana under the Public Health Act. Its enforcement work includes inspections, investigations, product recalls and action against products that do not meet regulatory requirements.