Food and Drugs Board declares a number of beverages unwholesome

Accra, March 4, GNA - The Food and Drugs Board (FDB) on Thursday declared a number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on the Ghanaian market unwholesome and advised the public not to patronise them.

Mr Thomas Adjei Duodu, Head of Premises Inspectorate Unit of the FDB, made the declaration after he had led a team of Policemen and the media to inspect the premises of Benmarcel Company at Baatsona, near Tema.

The affected drinks are: Marcel Ginseng Bitters; Marcel Irish Coffee Cream; Apuskelele Gin Bitters and Creamy Ataadwe Ginger Wine all of which have fake Ghana Standards Board symbol.

The Company has been manufacturing these drinks and distributing them without first registering them with FDB.

Mr Duodu said the factory had been operating under unhygienic conditions and below the basic guidelines of the Board. The Caretaker of the Company absconded on seeing personnel from the FDB, the Police and the media, leaving the officials of the FDB with no choice but to seal up the place.

Mr Duodu expressed regret that the public was at risk from some of these concoctions, which, he said, could cause various ailments. The Inspection Team had earlier stormed the premises of Heavens Bridge Company at Nungua that manufactured Oboade Milky Drink, Citrus Punch, Oboade Prekese and Oboade Ginseng without licence.

Mr Duodu ordered the Company to withdraw all the products from the market until approval was obtained from the FDB.