Adonko Bitters sanction by FDA a sabotage by competitors – Entertainment critics

Entertainment critics are certainly not pleased with recent reports that Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has directed the Angel Group of Companies to recall its alcoholic beverage, Adonko Bitters, from the market for allegedly selling it to minors during an Easter concert it organised last week.

Speaking on Kasapa Entertainment on Kasapa 102.5Fm, Mel Davis, a regular panel member revealed that popular alcoholic beverage companies in Ghana are the main saboteurs of Angel Group’s product ‘Adonko Bitters’.

He added that ‘Adonko’ bitters is now a household alcoholic beverage and a successful brand giving its competitors a run for their monies.

Mel Davis attributed reasons why Ghanaian owned companies cannot stand the test of time to some commanders of the airwaves who are being given token to criticize wrongly.

According to him, he has names of some popular alcoholic beverages who paid two media houses in order to dent the reputation of the Angel Group of Companies.

DJ Amess, former manager of Ghanaian hiplife recording artist Castro also expressed his displeasure over the ban of Adonko Bitters.

He further pleaded with Food and Drugs Authority to reconsider its decision to shut down the production facility of Adonko Bitters Limited hence entertainment events in Ghana will lack sponsorship.

Management of Angel Group of Companies, manufacturers of Adonko Bitters has also debunked media reports that it sold its popular brand of alcoholic beverage-Adonko bitters to large crowd of teens who turned up for the company’s annual Adonko Aseda Bash at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

Meanwhile lawyers of Angel Group of Companies, producers of Adonko Bitters have petitioned the Food and Drugs Authority over its decision to temporarily ban the product.

In a statement, lawyer Samson Lardy Anyenini said his client has provided all the necessary information to FDA in respect of the incidents surrounding the company’s Easter Monday Adonko Bitters Aseda Bash, which formed the basis for the company’s ban.

According to reports, the FDA has withdrawn the registration and advertisement license of the manufacturers for failing to adhere to the Authority’s regulations.

Additionally, the company has been ordered to recall the product from the market and has been slapped with a GH¢25,000.00 administrative charge.

The following is the full petition to the FDA

RE: FDA SANCTIONS AGAINST ADONKO BITTERS PENDING INVESTIGATIONS INTO SUSPECTED VIOLATIONS

We are solicitors for ANGEL GROUP OF COMPANIES whose subsidiary are manufacturers of Adonko Bitters, and have instructions of our clients to bring to your kind notice as follows:

That the company has petitioned the Food & Drugs Authority over the decisions and actions particularly in sanctioning Adonko Bitters Limited which it publicly announced last week pending investigations into allegations that the company’s Easter Monday, April 17, 2017, Adonko Bitters Aseda Bash concert at the Baba Yara Stadium left some “youth passing out as a result of excessive intake of the alcoholic product.”

That the FDA has been supplied information and facts that should assist put matters of the said event in proper perspective, and hopefully inform a quick revision/reversal of the decisions and actions taken so far. This should also allay any fears by patrons of products manufactured by our clients, and these include the facts below:

That the manufacturing practices and quality monitoring systems remain as thoroughly examined and approved by the FDA, and that the incident of suspected abuse of the product during the special aseda bash event is completely unconnected to the safety and quality of Adonko Bitters.

That it ought to be stated with emphasis that the product sold at the event remains the product approved by the FDA except for a special event promotional label. The assurance is therefore given the FDA and consumers that the quality and safety of the said product is what the FDA has already approved. That further assurance is given the FDA and consumers of the company’s full commitment and cooperation with ongoing investigations even though it is certain the outcome will confirm the contents of the product remains what the FDA approved.

That in line with these facts and the above sincere assurances of full commitment and cooperation and in full compliance with the FDA’s directive to recall the product, the company further assures that it is embarking upon same forthwith.

That the company states that while recalling the product with batch number 201, it is also simultaneously announcing to the general public to return said product anyone may have for replacement.

That the company is happy to note that the special event promotional labelling of the said batch of said product makes it even easier for identification and will assist all to separate it (though was left unsold at the event) from what has always been on the market and embraced by consumers for its high quality.

That the company, without prejudice, accepts in good faith the administrative charge of GHC 25,000.00 resulting from the FDA’s decision of a lapse on part of the company in running promotions for the said event with the product with celebrity association with the event without prior notice and approval of the FDA.

That the company, however, disagrees with claims and suggestions of violations where there is no evidence that the product was sold to minors and/or that consumers on the occasion were adversely affected by its consumption. There was massive police and military presence to ensure the safety of patrons.

There was ambulance which on record attended to a patron who needed medical attention. It is difficult to make scientific claims of pictures whose sources cannot be guaranteed. That, notwithstanding, the company apologizes for any untoward developments leading to the FDA’s actions.

That the FDA and the general public is assured, most sincerely, of the company’s fullest commitment to the FDA’s requirements and all safety and quality standards which have given products of the company international acceptance, and also that the appropriate notices and approvals for such promotional events shall be strictly adhered to in future. Thank You.

Signed

SAMSON LARDY ANYENINI, ESQ.