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FDA shuts down illegal Arcan Bitters factory in Ashanti Region

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has closed an illegal alcoholic beverage manufacturing facility at Senfi in the Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti Region. The site, operated by Unni Associates Company Limited, was found to be producing Arcan Bitters in unhygienic conditions without the necessary regulatory approvals. This enforcement action follows the discovery of a new operational site after the company’s previous facility had already been shut down by the authorities for similar violations. During the raid, FDA officials seized approximately 1,500 finished bottles of Arcan Bitters and 5,000 empty labeled bottles ready for filling. Laboratory analysis of the product, which is registered as a food item with a 35% alcohol content, revealed that it was adulterated with high levels of Sildenafil Citrate. Sildenafil Citrate is a prescription medication typically used to treat erectile dysfunction, and its undeclared inclusion in a beverage poses significant health risks to unsuspecting consumers, particularly those with underlying medical conditions. The FDA has locked down the facility and secured all manufacturing materials as part of its ongoing investigation. While the director of the facility was invited for questioning, they have reportedly failed to respond to the summons. Consequently, the FDA is now coordinating with the Ghana Police Service to track down and arrest the owner of Unni Associates Company Limited to face legal consequences for the illegal production and distribution of the adulterated drink. In a public safety alert, the FDA warned consumers to immediately stop the consumption of Arcan Bitters and urged retailers to remove the product from their shelves. The authority emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of all alcoholic beverages sold in Ghana and stated that it would continue to monitor the market to prevent the sale of harmful or unregistered products. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious manufacturing activities to the nearest FDA office.