The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has urged the public not to patronise an anti-malaria medicine known as Omama Herbal Mixture.
In a statement issued Friday, the FDA said the herbal medicine contained some chemicals, which could be dangerous when used without prescription.
The FDA arrived at the conclusion after a laboratory analysis and market surveillance conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, the statement said.
“The laboratory analysis revealed that Omama Herbal Mixture has been adulterated with Diazepam, Metronidazole, Paracetamol and Niacinamide, which are allopathic medicines,” it said.
“It is important to note that Omama Herbal Mixture is registered as a herbal medicinal product indicated for Malaria and Loss of appetite and is not expected to contain any allopathic medicines.”
“The medicines found in Omama Herbal Mixture are dangerous when taken without prescription and/or advise from a qualified health professional.”
The Authority added that it would work with Omama Herbal Group Limited to recall all products on the market for safe disposal and appropriate regulatory actions, including criminal prosecution initiated.
“The FDA wishes to assure the public that it will not relent on its effort of ensuring public health and safety.”
“The public is advised to give information on persons, pharmacies, and over-the-counter medicine sellers (OTCMS) offering Omama Herbal Mixture for sale to the nearest FDA Offices.”
As part of its market surveillance early in October this year, the FDA also suspended the operations of nine sachet water producers in the Western North Region over expired registration license.
The sachet water producers were within the Wiawso Municipality and Bia West and East districts.
Mr Albert Ankamah, the Western North Regional Director of the FDA, said the exercise was to ensure that water producers, food and drug manufacturers complied with good manufacturing, hygienic and storage practices to ensure the safety of consumers.
Source: GNA
