The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a directive to all importers, manufacturers and distributors of mixed drinks containing alcohol and stimulants, such as caffeine, inositol, glucuronolactone, ginseng, and guarana, to withdraw these products from the Ghanaian market.
These companies have until the end of March 2026 to comply with the directive.
The directive follows a comprehensive post-registration review conducted by the FDA in accordance with Sections 81 and 82(a) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).
The review evaluated the safety and regulatory compliance of these products, taking into account international and regional precedents where several countries have restricted, suspended, or banned alcoholic energy drinks due to public health concerns.
The FDA warns that mixing alcohol and stimulants in beverages poses serious health risks, especially among youths.
Manufacturers must reformulate products to meet standards by March 2026 or face sanctions.
“Findings from the review were supported by the FDA’s Food Expert Committee, specifically the Technical Advisory Committee on Food Safety and Nutrition. Consequently, the FDA has directed all importers, manufacturers, and distributors of mixed drinks containing both alcohol and stimulants to clear such products from the Ghanaian market by the end of March 2026 without sanctions.
Beyond this deadline, non-compliant products will attract regulatory sanctions, including withdrawal from the market. This directive takes effect immediately. Manufacturers and producers are further required to reformulate their products to conform strictly to the approved standards for alcoholic beverages and energy drinks as separate product categories.
The FDA remains committed to safeguarding public health and safety and ensuring that all food and beverage products on the Ghanaian market meet approved safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or non-compliant products to the FDA for necessary investigation and enforcement action,” the statement said.
For enquiries, the FDA can be reached via its website at [www.fdaghana.gov.gh](http://www.fdaghana.gov.gh), email at [fda@fda.gov.gh](mailto:fda@fda.gov.gh), or phone at 0551112224/5.
