Five individuals have recently been apprehended in connection with the importation and distribution of substandard baby diapers in Ghana.
Among the arrested individuals are both importers and wholesalers of the product, who are set to face legal charges as a warning to others involved in similar activities.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) issued a warning last week to manufacturers, importers, and distributors of baby diapers in Ghana, cautioning against the importation of unhygienic baby diapers, also known as bale diapers. These products do not meet the FDA guidelines for registration of medical devices and the GRA’s GS1166, 2017 specifications for single-use disposable diapers.
In response to this alert, the FDA has taken action by destroying multiple 40-foot containers of bale diapers that were seized by the authority. The disposal of these items took place at the FDA’s recycling plant in Ashaiman.
Vigil Edward Prah-Ashun, the Head of Enforcement Directorate at the FDA, emphasized the importance of eliminating these substandard products from the market. He highlighted the potential health risks associated with using such diapers, including infections and infertility issues for babies. These low-quality diapers could also lead to asthma, chronic skin diseases, and even cancer in male infants.
Consumers are urged to purchase branded diapers from reputable sources and avoid using bale diapers of questionable quality. The new guidelines for diaper importation require that bales be securely packaged and protected from exposure to adverse weather conditions, which can lead to contamination.
Prah-Ashun reiterated the FDA’s commitment to clamping down on the importation of substandard diapers, stating that regulatory actions will continue to be taken against offenders. He stressed the importance of removing these harmful products from the market to safeguard public health and well-being.
As the FDA intensifies its efforts to address the issue of substandard baby diapers in Ghana, consumers are advised to stay vigilant and prioritize the safety of their children by opting for high-quality, certified products.
