Adonko adverts still being aired despite FDA ban

Advertisements of Adonko are still being aired on various media networks especially radio stations despite the sanctions applied on the product by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).

Producers of the product were directed by the FDA to recall it from retailers but it has been observed that the product is still being sold in various bars in some parts of the country with no indication of when it would be withdrawn as directed.

At one of the sales outlet over the weekend, the operator revealed that she has not received any directive from the producers [Angel Group of Companies] for her to halt sales.

Producers of ‘Adonko Bitters’ have been sanctioned by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for the infamous ‘ Adonko Aseda Bash” on Easter Monday that was characterized by the excessive boozing of some minors with others passing out in the process at the Babayara Sports Stadium in Kumasi .

The FDA has slapped a GH¢25,000 on the producers for contravening the code on sale and advertisement of alcoholic beverages aside revoking its Registration and Advertisement License whilst investigations into the incident continue.

The regulator is accusing the Angel Group of Companies of selling alcohol beverages to underage persons during the event stating “FDA’s investigation confirmed that the criterion for gaining access to the concert was solely on condition that each individual purchased a 750ml bottle of the alcoholic beverage at a cost of GH¢10, a situation which resulted in the Alcoholic beverage being sold to minors as well.

It also resulted in excessive consumption, clearly putting the consumers at risk of flouting the caution of drinking responsibly,” the FDA said in a statement.

It said the action by the company “contravened Section 3.2.19 of the FDA Guidelines for the Advertisement of Food products which states that “No alcoholic beverage shall be advertised in relation to a public function where persons under the legal drinking age are likely to attend.”

“The Company also contravened Section 3.2.12 of the FDA Guidelines for the Advertisement of Food products which prohibits the use of well-known personalities in the marketing of alcoholic beverages by engaging Shatta Wale and Bisa Kdei in the promotion programme.

These acts exposed patrons to the said programme to unwarranted serious health risks bordering on public health,” it added.

It noted that, it has since taken a decision to sanction the company by suspending its Registration and Advertisement License whilst investigations into the incident continue.

It has also ordered the company to recall all of its product, Adonko Bitters from the market.

“The company has also been directed to recall the Product, Adonko Bitters, from trade and to furnish the FDA with details of the recall plan and subsequently, the progress of the recall plan.

The company is to pay an administrative charge of GH¢25,000 for failing to comply with the above regulatory requirements.

” The FDA further gave strong indications that it will impose further sanctions if Angel Group of Companies fails to comply with the sanctions.