The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revoked the marketing authorisation of Omama Herbal Mixture after laboratory investigations revealed that the product had been adulterated with dangerous pharmaceutical substances.
According to the FDA, the action follows a joint market surveillance exercise conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, which led to the sampling and laboratory analysis of Omama Herbal Mixture.
The analysis detected the presence of Diazepam, Metronidazole, Paracetamol, and Niacinamide, all of which are allopathic (conventional) medicines. The FDA emphasised that Omama Herbal Mixture was registered strictly as a herbal medicinal product indicated for the treatment of malaria and loss of appetite, and therefore must not contain synthetic pharmaceutical substances.
The Authority warned that the inclusion of such medicines without prescription or medical supervision poses serious health risks to consumers.
In response, the FDA has initiated a nationwide recall of Omama Herbal Mixture from the market for safe disposal and indicated that criminal prosecution of those responsible is underway.
The FDA also assured the public of its continued vigilance in protecting public health and safety, urging citizens to report any individuals, pharmacies, or over-the-counter medicine sellers (OTCMS) still offering Omama Herbal Mixture for sale to the nearest FDA office.
By Peter Quao Adattor
