The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a major regulatory directive ordering the immediate withdrawal of all mixed drinks containing both alcohol and stimulants from the Ghanaian market.
Following an intensive post-registration review, the FDA has given manufacturers, importers, and distributors until the end of March 2026 to clear their stocks.
Products found on shelves after this deadline will face stiff regulatory sanctions, including forced market withdrawal.
The decision follows warnings from the FDA’s Food Expert Committee regarding the “wide-awake drunk” effect caused by these beverages.
By combining depressants (alcohol) with stimulants such as caffeine, taurine, ginseng, and guarana, these drinks can mask the symptoms of alcohol intoxication, leading to dangerous levels of consumption.
The FDA cited several critical reasons for the crackdown, including growing scientific evidence linking these mixtures to serious cardiovascular and metabolic issues.
Furthermore, the combination is associated with risky psychosocial behavior, particularly among youth and young adults.
This move aligns Ghana with international regulatory standards, as several other countries have already restricted or banned similar products due to public safety concerns.
”The combined consumption of alcohol and stimulants poses serious health risks particularly among unsuspecting consumers,” the Authority stated in its official notice.
Under Sections 81 and 82(a) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), the FDA is requiring producers to take one of two paths:
Products must be reformulated to fit strictly into either the “Alcoholic Beverage” or “Energy Drink” category, never both.
Any product maintaining the prohibited combination must be removed by the March 31st deadline to avoid penalties.
While the directive takes effect immediately, the FDA is encouraging consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or non-compliant “mixed” products still being sold in shops or bars.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every beverage sold in Ghana meets the highest safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
