Business News of Monday, 1 May 2017

Source: ultimatefmonline.com

We are not out to witch-hunt Angel – FDA

Food and Drugs Authority Food and Drugs Authority

The food and drugs authority says it is not out to witch hunt the Angel Group of companies over the punitive action recently taken in connection with the company’s organising of an Easter Monday jam used to promote its alcoholic beverage Adonko bitters.

The company has been slapped with a 25 thousand fine and an order to withdraw the product from the market on charges that the company breached public health safety regulations when minors were seen intoxicated and in possession of the drink after attending the program which saw a massive attendance of some twenty five thousand people.

The company is also being hounded for promoting the alcoholic beverage with prominent artistes – Bisa Kdei, and Shatter Wale – against regulations.

But Public relations officer of the FDA James Lartey contends his outfit is only doing its job.

Speaking on GHONE News, Mr Lartey explained that the regulations stipulates 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 “second issue” he added was that, “every alcoholic advert should indicate a caution,” a provision he contended the company failed to put out there in the advertisement of the program.

He emphasized that “it is not to spoil anybody’s business neither is it to prevent anyone from making money. The point is to ensure public health and safety. We have a very good relationship with the company but when it comes to regulation, it is regulation.”

Angel is however threatening court action accusing the FDA of conniving with competitors to run its business aground.