The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revoked the marketing authorisation of Omama Herbal Mixture after laboratory analyses confirmed that the product had been adulterated with prescription-only medicines.
In a statement signed by Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Manso Opuni, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Authority announced that it has taken action following a market surveillance exercise conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service.
Laboratory analysis revealed that Omama Herbal Mixture contained Diazepam, Metronidazole, Paracetamol, and Niacinamide — all of which are allopathic drugs not authorized for use in any registered herbal product.
The FDA explained that the product had been registered solely as a herbal treatment for malaria and loss of appetite. The addition of these pharmaceutical substances, it cautioned, poses significant health risks to consumers.
“The medicines identified in Omama Herbal Mixture are harmful when taken without medical supervision or prescription,” the statement warned.
The Authority has therefore advised the public to immediately stop using or purchasing the product. It also disclosed that it is collaborating with Omama Herbal Group Limited to recall all affected batches from the market for safe disposal.
Furthermore, the FDA revealed that both regulatory and criminal proceedings have been initiated against those involved in the adulteration, reaffirming its commitment to protecting public health.
“The FDA remains resolute in its mission to ensure the health and safety of all consumers,” the statement emphasized.
The public has been urged to report anyone or any outlet still selling Omama Herbal Mixture to the nearest FDA office for prompt action.
