The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in Ghana has ordered the nationwide recall of Franko Herbal Mixture following laboratory findings that the product contains undeclared pharmaceutical substances.
The directive, announced on October 19, 2026, also includes the closure of the product’s manufacturing facility in Jacobu, Ashanti Region.
According to the FDA, Franko Herbal Centre has been instructed to remove all affected products from the market within 14 days. The Authority will oversee the safe disposal of the recalled herbal medicine and has warned the company of possible regulatory penalties and criminal prosecution if it fails to comply.
FDA Detects Diazepam and Paracetamol in Franko Herbal Mixture
Laboratory analysis reportedly revealed that Franko Herbal Mixture, registered as a herbal medicinal product containing plant ingredients such as Carica papaya, Alstonia boonei and Tetrapleura tetraptera, had been adulterated with two pharmaceutical substances: Diazepam and Paracetamol.
Diazepam is a prescription-only medicine commonly used to manage anxiety, certain seizures, muscle spasms and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Paracetamol is a widely used painkiller and fever-reducing medicine.
The FDA says herbal medicinal products registered with the Authority must not contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients. Under Section 111 of Ghana’s Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), the sale of adulterated herbal medicines and misleading labelling or advertising of such products constitute offences.
FDA Warns of Serious Health Risks
The presence of undeclared Diazepam and Paracetamol in a herbal preparation raises significant public health and medicine safety concerns. Diazepam can cause excessive sedation and, particularly when combined with alcohol, opioids or other sedating medicines, may lead to breathing difficulties, coma or death.
Consumers may also unknowingly take additional medication containing Paracetamol, increasing the risk of an accidental overdose and serious liver damage.
The FDA’s action highlights the importance of pharmaceutical regulation, product quality control and consumer protection in Ghana’s herbal medicine industry.
What Consumers Should Know
Consumers who have purchased Franko Herbal Mixture should stop using the affected product and follow official FDA guidance on the recall. Anyone who has taken the mixture and experiences unusual symptoms should seek medical attention. Consumers should consult a qualified healthcare professional before combining herbal preparations with prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
The FDA has warned Franko Herbal Centre to comply fully with the recall directive or face further legal action. The case serves as a reminder that herbal medicines should be purchased from reputable sources and must meet established safety and quality standards.
FDA Statement Below:
Source: newsthemegh.com