FDA seizes unregistered cigarette-shaped candy in Accra

Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority has seized a candy designed to look like a cigarette during a crackdown in Accra’s Central Business District.

The product, branded Cigarette Rod Lollipop, is not registered with the FDA. The Authority said its composition is therefore unknown and could present a public health risk.

The FDA also warned that the cigarette-shaped design could encourage children who use the candy to develop an interest in smoking, potentially undermining efforts to discourage smoking among young people.

A key suspect involved in selling the product has been arrested and is in police custody while authorities investigate its importation, distribution and sale. The FDA advised the public not to buy or use the candy.

Under Section 97(1) of Ghana’s Public Health Act, 2012, it is an offence to manufacture, import, export, distribute, sell or supply food without registration. The FDA said the lollipop falls within the category of food products.

The Authority asked people with information about sellers of the candy or other suspected unregistered products to report them. It also urged anyone holding stock to contact the FDA or deliver it to the nearest office. Information leading to further arrests, it said, would remain confidential and could attract a reward.