The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), working with National Security, has seized quantities of an unregistered cigar-shaped candy known as Cigarette Rod Lollipop being sold in Accra’s Central Business District.
The seizure followed a weekend crackdown on the sale of the product, with the FDA confirming that the key suspect at the centre of the operation has been arrested and placed in police custody.
The Authority said the product has not been registered with the FDA, meaning its composition and safety profile are unknown.
“Cigarette Rod Lollipop is not registered by the Authority. Consequently, its composition is not known. This poses serious public health risk to those who use this product.”
The FDA also raised concerns about the product’s potential influence on children, given its cigarette-like appearance.
According to the Authority, children holding and consuming the candy could become accustomed to the appearance and behaviour associated with smoking, potentially undermining efforts to discourage tobacco use.
“Besides, children holding and using the cigarette-shaped candy could usher them into the habit of smoking.”
The FDA has therefore advised consumers not to purchase or use the product under any circumstances.
The Authority further reminded the public that the sale of the candy constitutes an offence under Section 97(1) of the Public Health Act, Act 851, 2012, which prohibits the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution or sale of food that has not been registered by the Authority.
The FDA said the Cigarette Rod Lollipop falls within the legal definition of food.
Meanwhile, investigations are continuing into the importation, distribution and sale of the product, as authorities work to identify others connected to the operation.
The FDA is appealing to the public to report anyone found selling the product or any other suspected unregistered product.
It said individuals with credible information leading to the arrest of the importers or other persons behind the importation and distribution of the candy would be rewarded, with all information treated with strict confidentiality.
People who currently have the product in stock have also been advised to contact the FDA or submit it to the nearest FDA office.
FDA contact: 055 111 2224 / 055 111 2225.
Read the statement below:
