The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in the Eastern Region has seized unregistered and expired baby diapers during a special operation conducted in Koforidua, Asamankese, and Nsawam.

The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, targeted vendors selling these products without the necessary FDA registration. Baby and adult diapers are classified as medical devices in Ghana and require FDA approval before sale.

Madam Anita Owusu-Kuffour, Eastern Regional Head of the FDA, explained that the exercise was in line with Section 118 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851). “A person shall not manufacture, prepare, import, export, distribute, sell, supply or exhibit for sale a drug, herbal medicinal product, cosmetic, medical device or household chemical substance unless the article has been registered by the Authority,” she stated.

According to Madam Owusu-Kuffour, the FDA had conducted extensive education for vendors on regulatory requirements months prior to the operation. However, some continued to operate outside the law, often claiming ignorance when confronted.

Inspectors discovered several instances of unregistered and expired diapers being offered for sale. Worryingly, some vendors were also exposing the diapers to direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions due to limited storage space, potentially compromising their safety.

The seized items have been sent for proper disposal. Mr. Kingsley Nii Lante Lamptey, Head of the Inspectorate Unit at the Eastern Regional Office of the FDA, emphasized the importance of public health over profit. “Safeguarding public health should take precedence over commercial interests,” he said.

Mr. Lamptey urged consumers to always check for FDA registration numbers on regulated products before purchasing. He also highlighted the need for ethical business practices to ensure compliance. “Ethical business practices will help vendors comply with FDA regulatory requirements,” he added.

The FDA has assured the public that it will continue with both educational campaigns and enforcement activities to protect consumer safety and well-being.

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