product recall alert: adulterated choice irish cream flavoured drink

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a critical public warning following laboratory findings that reveal Choice Irish Cream Flavoured Drink, manufactured by 1 Africa Industries Limited, has been adulterated with Sildenafil Citrate—a prescription-only medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

According to the FDA, the product, which is registered as a food item and categorized as an alcoholic beverage, must not contain any drug substance. The discovery of Sildenafil Citrate—an undeclared pharmaceutical ingredient—in the beverage raises serious public health and safety concerns. Sildenafil, when taken without medical supervision or in combination with certain drugs, especially nitrates like nitroglycerin, can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, potentially leading to heart attack, stroke, or even death.

Beyond the risk of sudden cardiovascular collapse, prolonged use or accidental consumption of Sildenafil can have other severe health effects. It may cause loss of vision or hearing, induce painful and prolonged erections, and lead to psychological dependence. These risks are especially alarming given that consumers of the adulterated drink would be unaware that they are ingesting a potent pharmaceutical compound.

The FDA has therefore ordered an immediate recall of all batches of Choice Irish Cream Flavoured Drink currently on the market. The Authority is working closely with the manufacturer, 1 Africa Industries Limited, to ensure the product’s safe withdrawal and disposal. Regulatory actions are also being pursued, as the adulteration of food products contravenes Section 100(4) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which strictly prohibits the addition of unapproved substances to food and beverages.

Consumers, distributors, and retailers have been urged to stop the sale, purchase, or consumption of the product with immediate effect. Members of the public are also encouraged to report any instances of the product being offered for sale to the nearest FDA office to facilitate its removal from circulation.

This recall serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance, ethical manufacturing, and responsible consumption. Food adulteration is not only an offence under Ghana’s public health laws—it represents a serious betrayal of consumer trust with potentially fatal consequences.

The Turning Point Foundation joins the FDA in urging the public to exercise caution when purchasing and consuming alcoholic or herbal drinks, especially those claiming to offer health or performance benefits. Manufacturers are reminded that the integrity of Ghana’s food and beverage sector depends on strict compliance with safety regulations, transparency, and accountability.

Public health and consumer safety must always take precedence over profit. The recall of the adulterated Choice Irish Cream Flavoured Drink underscores the need for constant surveillance and responsible stewardship from both regulators and producers to protect the lives of all Ghanaians.

Consumers who have already purchased this product are strongly advised not to consume it and to return it to the point of sale or report to the FDA for proper handling.