The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in the Ashanti Region has shut down an alcoholic beverage manufacturing facility at Senfi in the Bekwai Municipality for allegedly operating illegally in an unhygienic environment.
As part of the operation, the Authority seized 1,500 bottles of ARCAN Bitters, 5,000 empty bottles bearing the product’s label, and barrels used in the manufacturing process.
Ashanti Regional Director of FDA, Dr. Ashraf Haruna, said the seized items will be destroyed and will not be allowed onto the market. He added that the director of the facility has been invited to assist with investigations but has yet to report to the Authority.
Investigations have revealed concerns about the substances used in producing the bitters, particularly the alleged presence of high levels of medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. The FDA had previously cautioned the manufacturers over the issue, but they allegedly failed to comply with the directive.
In a statement, Dr. Haruna urged the public to refrain from purchasing or consuming ARCAN Bitters until further notice, warning that the product could pose a risk to human health. The action is part of ongoing efforts to protect public health and ensure that alcoholic beverages manufactured and sold in the country meet the required safety and regulatory standards.
