FDA seizes unregistered cigarette-shaped candy in Accra

Authorities in Ghana have seized a candy designed to look like a cigarette during a crackdown in Accra’s Central Business District.

The Food and Drugs Authority, working with National Security, confiscated quantities of the product, branded Cigarette Rod Lollipop. The FDA said a key suspect had been arrested and remained in police custody while investigators examined its importation, distribution and sale.

The product is not registered with the FDA, so its composition is unknown, the Authority said. It warned that the candy could pose a public health risk. Its cigarette-shaped design could also encourage children who use it to develop an interest in smoking, potentially undermining efforts to discourage tobacco use among young people.

The FDA urged the public not to buy or use the product. It reminded traders and suppliers that Section 97(1) of Ghana’s Public Health Act, 2012, makes it an offence to manufacture, import, export, distribute, sell or supply food without registration. The Authority classifies the Cigarette Rod Lollipop as a food product.

People holding the candy in stock were asked to contact the FDA or submit it to the nearest FDA office. The Authority also requested information about sellers of the product or other suspected unregistered goods, promising confidentiality and rewards for information leading to arrests.