The Food and Drugs Authority has seized more than 5,000 packs of unapproved and potentially harmful diapers during a major enforcement operation in the Tamale metropolis.
The exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health—particularly that of infants—amid rising concerns over the influx of unregistered products being sold to unsuspecting consumers.
FDA conducted inspections across shops and market outlets in the metropolis, examining baby diapers for proper registration, labeling, and compliance with safety standards.
Several products were found to be unregistered, poorly labeled, or lacking FDA approval entirely.
Authorities warn that such products pose serious health risks to babies, including skin irritation and infections.
Speaking during the operation, Principal Regulatory Officer at the FDA, Meshack Gandaa, described the situation as widespread.
He cautioned that traders dealing in unapproved products would face strict regulatory sanctions.
He added that all confiscated items would be safely disposed of, while investigations are ongoing to trace the sources of the unregistered diapers, including importers and distributors.
Some affected traders, however, are calling for increased education and engagement from the Authority.
One retailer, Zeliya Inusah, whose shop lost about 15 packs of diapers during the exercise, said she was unaware the products were unapproved.
She explained that the items were supplied by what she believed to be a reputable source.
She appealed for leniency and urged the FDA to focus enforcement efforts more on suppliers rather than retailers.
Another trader, Mohammed Mustapha, echoed similar concerns, calling on authorities to target distributors at the top of the supply chain.
Other traders also emphasized the need for intensified public education to help them identify approved products and avoid unintentionally breaching regulations.
The FDA says the enforcement exercise will continue across Tamale as part of its broader mandate to ensure that only safe and approved products remain on the market.
By 1960news.com
