The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) has commended the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) on the action taken to clamp down on defective and cheap diapers on the market.
CPA is worried about the health implications associated with these sub-standard diapers and has cautioned the public to stop patronizing these phony diapers.
Chief Executive Officer of CPA, Kofi Kapito, addressing the media expressed fret over the several complaints from mothers across the country in relation to skin rashes and discomfort when these diapers are used on their children and praised FDA for withdrawing these products from the market.
He indicated that these diapers upon research by the CPA in several markets in Ghana failed the microbial test conducted on them.
Kofi Kapito maintained that these diapers are those that are rejected during production in their home countries meant for destruction, but Ghanaians buy the cheaply and import them into the country for human use.
Below is the full statement from CPA
PRESS STATEMENT ON FAKE AND DEFECTIVE DIAPERS ON THE MARKET CAUSING SEVERE HEALTH ISSUES FOR BABIES AND CHILDREN.
The Consumer Protection Agency greatly commend the FDA on the action taken to cramp down on defective and cheap diapers on the market named ‘FAKE DIAPERS
These diapers upon research by the CPA on several markets in Ghana failed the microbial test conducted on them. Upon further investigations it was discovered that these diapers are those that are rejected during production in their home countries meant for destruction but Ghanaians find their way to buy it cheap and import them into the country for human use.
It was also discovered that because these products are rejected and found among trash it becomes contaminated even before packaging into these plain polyethylene bags before shipping.
Also, where they are kept becomes a factor thereby showing these high results of failure in microbial tests.
Upon several complaints from mothers across the country in relation to skin rashes and discomfort when some diapers are used on their children, the CPA decided to do intensive research on baby diapers on the market.
The CPA’s research centered on 5 regions in the country namely Greater Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Sefwi Wiawso and Sunyani.
Some of these babies had severe nappy rash around the anus and genitalia from mild to severe infections which not treated well could be fatal.
We are therefore calling on all Ghanaians especially mothers who patronize these products to stop immediately so as to save their children from further harm.
We are therefore calling on the office of the Commissioner of CEPS to intervene and stop the importations of these “Fake “diapers entering our borders.
Matters of pediatrics are so important since these babies and children are the most vulnerable.
Once again, we would like to highly commend the FDA for their efforts in the clamp down of these diapers.
We are so ready to partner the FDA on our nationwide campaign on these diapers and other important issues that we find necessary to collaborate with them to make the consumer in Ghana safer.
Kofi Kapito.
By Maxwell Otoo
