The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), in collaboration with National Security, has seized quantities of unregistered cigarette-shaped candy being sold in the Central Business District (CBD) of Accra.
The crackdown was conducted over the weekend following concerns over the sale of the product, branded “Cigarette Rod Lollipop.”
According to the FDA, the key suspect linked to the sale of the product has been arrested and placed in police custody as investigations continue into its importation, distribution and sale.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 31, 2026, the FDA said the product is not registered with the Authority and, consequently, its composition is unknown.
The Authority warned that this poses a serious potential public health risk to consumers who use the product.
The FDA also expressed concern about the cigarette-like appearance of the candy, particularly its potential impact on children.
The statement noted that children holding and using the cigarette-shaped candy could potentially develop familiarity with smoking, which could undermine the country’s ongoing campaign against smoking.
The FDA has therefore advised the public not to purchase or use the Cigarette Rod Lollipop under any circumstances.
The Authority further reminded the public that under Section 97(1) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), it is an offence to manufacture, import, export, distribute, sell, supply or expose food for sale unless the food has been registered by the FDA.
The FDA has urged anyone who has the product in stock to immediately contact the Authority or submit it to the nearest FDA office.
Members of the public who know of persons selling the candy or have information about its importation and distribution have also been encouraged to report to the FDA.
The Authority said information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality and that credible information leading to the arrest of importers or other persons behind the product would be rewarded.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Mavis Fantevi
