FDA bans alcoholic energy drinks, sets March 2026 deadline

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has directed the immediate removal of all mixed drinks containing both alcohol and stimulants from the Ghanaian market, citing growing public health concerns — particularly among the youth.

In a public notice dated February 25, 2026, the FDA announced that it had concluded a post-registration review of beverages that combine depressant substances such as alcohol with stimulants including caffeine, inositol, glucuronolactone, ginseng, and guarana.

The Authority said the assessment took into account international and regional regulatory precedents, noting that several countries have either restricted, suspended, or outright banned alcoholic energy drinks due to their associated health risks.

According to the FDA, “growing scientific and public health evidence” links the combined consumption of alcohol and stimulants to serious health risks and adverse psychosocial behaviours — a trend found particularly among youth, young adults, and unsuspecting consumers.

The review, conducted under Sections 81 and 82(a) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), evaluated both the safety and regulatory compliance of these products currently available on the Ghanaian market. Findings were backed by the FDA’s Food Expert Committee, specifically the Technical Advisory Committee on Food Safety and Nutrition.

Following the review, the FDA has directed all importers, manufacturers, and distributors of such mixed drinks to clear them from the market by the end of March 2026 without penalty. However, the Authority warned that failure to comply beyond the deadline will attract regulatory sanctions, including withdrawal of non-compliant products.

“This directive takes effect immediately,” the notice stressed.

In addition, manufacturers and producers have been instructed to reformulate their products to conform strictly to the approved standards for alcoholic beverages and energy drinks as separate product categories — effectively prohibiting the blending of the two.

The FDA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that all food and beverage products on the Ghanaian market meet approved safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Consumers have also been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or non-compliant products to the Authority for necessary investigation and enforcement action.