The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers on the confiscation of approximately 140 boxes of a banned alcoholic energy drink found in circulation in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
In a public alert issued on Friday, the agency said it received notification that the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority confiscated the product during regulatory enforcement activities due to concerns regarding its safety and regulatory status.
According to NAFDAC, the product had previously been prohibited from sale and distribution because of the potential health risks associated with the combination of alcohol and stimulants commonly found in energy drinks.
“The seized products included Bel Ice Vodka Energy Drink and Cody’s Vody Energy Mix,” the agency said.
Health risks
NAFDAC said the alcoholic energy drinks may pose significant health risks because the stimulant ingredients can mask the effects of alcohol intoxication, potentially leading consumers to underestimate their level of impairment.
The agency warned that young adults and adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to risks such as excessive alcohol consumption, increased risk-taking behaviours, impaired judgment and coordination, cardiovascular effects such as increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure, dehydration and sleep disturbances, increased risk of alcohol-related injuries and accidents.
NAFDAC advised all importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers to ensure that the affected products are not imported, distributed, marketed, or sold within Nigeria.
“Verify that all beverages offered for sale comply with NAFDAC registration and regulatory requirements and report any suspected presence of the products in the Nigerian supply chain to the nearest NAFDAC office,” the agency said.
NAFDAC further encouraged consumers to report any sightings of the products or any adverse events associated with their consumption to the nearest NAFDAC office or using the e-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website.
