The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has launched a major enforcement exercise in the Tamale Metropolis, leading to the seizure of over 5,000 packs of unapproved and potentially harmful diapers from the market.
The operation is part of efforts to protect public health—especially that of babies—amid growing concerns about the influx of unregistered products being sold to unsuspecting consumers.
During the swoop, FDA officials inspected shops and market outlets across the metropolis, checking baby diapers for proper registration, labeling, and safety compliance. Several products were found to be unregistered, poorly labeled, or completely lacking FDA approval.
According to the officials, such products pose significant health risks to infants, including skin irritations and infections.
Speaking during the exercise, Meshack Gandaa, Principal Regulatory Officer of Food and Drugs Authority described the situation as widespread and warned that traders found selling unapproved products will face regulatory sanctions.
“Consumers should always look out for FDA registration numbers on products. If a product does not conform to regulatory standards, it should be reported to the nearest FDA office,” he advised.
He indicated that all seized products will be safely disposed of, while investigations are underway to trace the sources of the unregistered diapers, including importers and distributors.
“We are not only seizing these products but also taking steps to identify those behind their importation and distribution so we can address the problem from the root,” the official added.
However, some traders affected by the exercise are calling for more education and engagement from the FDA.
One retailer, Zeliya Inusah, whose shop had about 20 packs of diapers confiscated, said she was unaware the products were not approved, insisting they were supplied by what she believed to be a reputable source.
She appealed for leniency and urged the Authority to focus enforcement efforts more on suppliers rather than retailers.
Other traders also expressed concern, calling on the FDA to intensify public education to help them better identify approved products and avoid unknowingly violating regulations.
The Food and Drugs Authority says the exercise will continue across the Tamale Metropolis as part of ongoing efforts to ensure that only safe and approved products are available on the market.
By Nadra Mohammed
