Regional News of Wednesday, 13 May 2009

Source: GNA

Food and Drugs Board destroys drugs

Sunyani, May 13, GNA - Mr. Edward Acheampong, acting Brong-Ahafo Regional Zonal Officer of the Food and Drug Board (FDB), on Wednesday expressed concern about the rate at which selling and buying of unregistered sex-enhancing drugs are gaining prominence in the region. He said the sale of such drugs was prohibited and promoted illegal medication as well as posed a threat to the lives of the people. Mr. Acheampong was speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview after the regional office of the FDB, in conjunction with the Pharmacy Council, destroyed unregistered and expired drugs and food products at a landfill site in Sunyani.

Some of the aphrodisiac were AK 47, Lady Killer, Black Diamond, African Iron Rod, Man Sex Fancy Soap and Unstoppable Shotter whilst the expired food products included Jago salad cream, Nescafe, Frytol cooking oil, Royal Holland Gouda and cheese. The drugs destroyed including varieties of some cosmetics were estimated at GHC 48,854.20 whilst the food products plus soft and alcoholic drinks were worth GHC 2,223.20.

Mr. Acheampong said even though the FBD could not guarantee the safety and efficacy of some cosmetics and medical devices, there was the need to promote the health status of Ghanaians. "The rate at which unwholesome, expired and pirated food and pharmaceuticals are smuggled into the country is becoming alarming", he said and warned the general public to ascertain both manufacturing and expiry dates of such products before buying.