Ghana FDA orders withdrawal of alcoholic energy drinks from market by March 2026
Directive targets health risks linked to mixing alcohol and stimulants.
GHANA – The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has directed all importers, manufacturers, and distributors of mixed drinks containing both alcohol and stimulants to remove the products from the Ghanaian market by the end of March 2026.
The affected beverages include those formulated with caffeine, inositol, glucuronolactone, ginseng, and guarana combined with alcohol.
According to the Authority, the decision follows a comprehensive post-registration review conducted under Sections 81 and 82(a) of the Public Health Act, 2012.
The FDA stated that the assessment examined the safety profile and regulatory status of such products and considered international regulatory trends, where alcoholic energy drinks have been restricted, suspended, or banned due to public health risks.
The Authority warned that combining alcohol with stimulants can mask signs of intoxication, increase risky behaviour, and expose consumers—particularly young people—to severe health consequences.
Findings from the FDA’s Food Expert Committee, including the Technical Advisory Committee on Food Safety and Nutrition, concluded that mixing alcohol with stimulants poses serious health risks and may contribute to adverse psychosocial behaviours among youth, young adults, and unsuspecting consumers.
Under the directive, all importers, manufacturers, and distributors of alcoholic energy drinks are required to clear these products from the market by the stated deadline. Products that remain on shelves beyond March 2026 will face regulatory sanctions, including withdrawal.
The agency also instructed manufacturers to reformulate their products to comply strictly with approved standards for alcoholic beverages and energy drinks as separate categories.
“The FDA remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring that all food and beverage products in Ghana meet approved safety, quality, and regulatory standards,” the agency said in a statement.
The FDA further urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or non-compliant products for enforcement action, reinforcing its commitment to public health and safety within the food and beverage sector.
Internationally, several countries have taken similar action. Sweden introduced restrictions on certain energy drinks following alcohol-related deaths, including age limits and pharmacy-only sales in some cases.
Lebanon banned the production, importation, and marketing of alcohol-mixed energy drinks in 2014.
The United States Food and Drug Administration has classified caffeine as an unsafe food additive in alcoholic beverages, while Canada banned pre-mixed alcoholic energy drinks in 2010 over comparable health concerns.
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