FDB WARNS AGAINST UNCERTIFIED DRUGS (PAGE 42, JUNE 24, 2010)

THE acting Zonal Officer of the Food and Drugs Board (FDB) in Tamale, Mr Gorden Akurugu, has cautioned the public against the use of uncertified Chinese drugs particularly those purported to boost libido in both men and women.
He noted that the proliferation of such fake drugs on the Ghanaian market had caused deaths among some users.
Mr Akurugu stated this at a meeting in Tamale to sensitise stakeholders and the public to the consumption of unwholesome and unregistered products that are on the Ghanaian market.
The officer cited an instance where a fake Chinese drug was sold to an unsuspecting couple that eventually resulted in the death of the man.
He, however, intimated that the FDB in collaboration with the security agencies had investigated the matter and those behind it were arrested and prosecuted.
Mr Akurugu explained for instance that the public must be vigilant and report to the FDB, individuals who went on air claiming they had medicines that could cure various illnesses.
“The Board is fully committed to its mandate of ensuring the safety, efficacy and quality of food, drugs, cosmetic, household chemical and medical device,” he said.
He further stressed that his outfit had expanded its activities, saying “key areas of great concern to the board are the number of unregistered products currently on the market”.
“Consumers should take the initiative to complain to the manufacturer and ask questions about their products; consumers must also exercise their ability to make a choice by refusing to purchase unwholesome food, counterfeit and substandard products,” Mr Akurugu stated.
He therefore stressed the need for concerted efforts to develop a safety risk-based approach that strengthens effective regulation in Ghana.
“Local manufacturers and importers must assist the Board in ensuring the safety of their products and re-establishing of consumer confidence by collaborating with the FDB to ensure the implementation of the appropriate safety and quality systems,” he pointed out.
The Head of Food Safety Unit of the FDB in Accra, Mr Sylvester Oteng Kyei, cautioned against putting out adverts that had not been approved by the Board.
He noted that handling of meat in the country was a major challenge as many people seemed to disregard the need for the maintenance of hygienic conditions.
“If you patronise an expired product and unwholesome product you do so at your own risk,” he warned.