The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has concluded a comprehensive assessment of mixed beverages that combine alcohol with stimulants such as caffeine, inositol, glucuronolactone, ginseng, and guarana, raising concerns about their safety for consumers, especially young people.
According to Dr. Josephine Akoto, the review examined both international and regional experiences, noting that several countries have restricted, suspended, or banned alcoholic energy drinks over public health risks.
“Our post-registration review focused on the safety and regulatory compliance of these products in Ghana,” Dr. Akoto said, stressing the need to align local regulations with global best practices. “We looked closely at how these drinks could affect consumers, particularly young people, and compared our findings with global precedents.”
The assessment was carried out under Sections 81 and 82(a) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), empowering the FDA to enforce safety standards that protect public health.
Dr. Akoto highlighted that growing scientific evidence links the combination of alcohol and stimulants to serious health risks, including heart complications, impaired judgment, and an increased likelihood of accidents.
The FDA’s findings signal potential regulatory action and increased monitoring of alcoholic energy drinks in Ghana, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to safeguarding consumer health.
