FDA seizes over 4,500 fake and unregistered cosmetics across Ghana

The Food and Drugs Authority Food and Drugs Authority (Ghana) has seized 4,504 unregistered, fake, and potentially harmful cosmetic products during a nationwide market surveillance exercise.

The operation was carried out over one week across 15 regions in Ghana by the FDA’s Regional Operations Directorate.

It targeted supermarkets, cosmetic shops, and retail outlets to remove products that had not been approved for sale.

The Authority said many of the seized items contained dangerous substances such as hydroquinone and steroids, which can cause skin damage and long-term health problems.

FDA officials said the exercise led to the removal of thousands of products from circulation.

The Authority has consistently warned the public against using unregistered cosmetic products.

It stated that prolonged use of such products can lead to skin discolouration, irritation, and other serious complications.

The FDA also urged consumers to buy cosmetics only from licensed outlets and to check product registration before use.

The Authority said it will continue market surveillance and enforcement actions to protect public health.