FDA orders recall of Adonko Bitters over “drunken youth”

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The Food and Drugs Authority has ordered Angel Group of Companies, producers of Adonko Bitters to recall the product from the market for contravening the Authority’s code on sale and advertisement of alcoholic beverages.

The Authority has also slapped a fine of GH¢25,000 on the company following investigations into circumstances that led to the passing out of dozens of youth and minors at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi after an Easter Monday concert.

A statement released by the FDA on Thursday said the Angel Group flouted Section 3.2.19 of the FDA guidelines for the advertisement of food products which states that “No alcoholic beverage shall be advertised in relation to a public function where persons under the legal drinking age are likely to attend.”

“The Company also contravened Section 3.2.12 of the FDA Guidelines for the Advertisement of Food products which prohibits the use of well-known personalities in the marketing of alcoholic beverages by engaging Shatta Wale and Bisa Kdei in the promotion programme. These acts exposed patrons to the said programme to unwarranted serious health risks bordering on public health,” it added.

According to the statement, investigations by the FDA confirmed that the criterion for gaining access to the concert was solely on condition that each individual purchased a 750ml bottle of the alcoholic beverage at a cost of GH¢10.

“… a situation which resulted in the Alcoholic beverage being sold to minors as well. It also resulted in excessive consumption, clearly putting the consumers at risk of flouting the caution of drinking responsibly,” the statement said.

It noted that, it has since taken a decision to sanction the company by suspending its Registration and Advertisement License whilst investigations into the incident continue.

Source: Graphic.com.gh