Accra (Greater Accra), 12 Feb '99-

The Ghana Standards Board (GSB) yesterday expressed disgust at the continued presence of UB Hair Relaxer on the market saying it is unsuitable for the hair. A statement released in Accra by the board yesterday that the product is being sold on the market despite radio announcements three months ago withdrawing it. The statement said the product causes extensive loss of hair on application saying "complaints have been received from Takoradi, Koforidua and Accra" on how the relaxer has damaged the hair of people who had used them. "The GSB and the Food and Drugs Board (FDB) have started investigations into the causes of the problem and wish to alert consumers of the product about the situation." The GSB invited agents, importers and distributors of UB Hair Relaxer to a meeting next Friday to discuss the issue in order to adopt appropriate programmes to ensure good quality. Meanwhile, investigations by the GNA have revealed that expired products have re-emerged on the market. They include roll-ons, perfumes, hand, body and shaving creams. The investigations conducted over a one month period found quantities of the products in shops in the central business district of Accra and around the Kwame Nkrumah Circle. Most of the shops selling the products claimed they were not aware that they had expired. The GSB, following a survey by GNA last year, mounted a massive exercise to rid market of expired products. The exercise brought out large quantities of expired products ranging from consumables to pharmaceuticals throughout the country. Traders in Greater Accra, Central, Eastern and Western Regions were the worst culprits. A source at the GSB said the exercise is continuing and will be intensified in the months ahead. GRi.../