The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana has issued a stern warning to the public regarding the consumption of two alcoholic beverages, King’s Orange Flavoured Liqueur and Jupiter 1990, declaring them unsafe and unregistered due to the presence of marijuana extracts. The FDA’s investigation has unveiled a complex operation involving illicit production and distribution, highlighting the challenges in regulating food and beverage safety and the potential dangers posed by unregulated products. This incident underscores the importance of public vigilance and the FDA’s ongoing efforts to protect consumer health.
King’s Orange Flavoured Liqueur was initially a registered product with the FDA. However, routine market surveillance and laboratory testing in July 2023 revealed the presence of marijuana in the beverage, leading to the immediate revocation of the manufacturer’s license, Famude Catering Services, and the closure of their production facility in the Ashanti Region. The case was subsequently referred to the Suntresu District Police for further investigation and potential legal action. This initial discovery and subsequent action by the FDA demonstrates their proactive approach to ensuring product safety and their commitment to holding manufacturers accountable for deviations from established standards.
Despite the initial shutdown, King’s Orange Flavoured Liqueur resurfaced in the market, prompting further investigation by the FDA. Intelligence gathered in April 2025 indicated the continued sale of the contaminated beverage in Koforidua, leading authorities to a new, unlicensed production site. This discovery points to the persistence of illegal operations and the challenges faced by regulatory bodies in completely eradicating such activities. It also highlights the need for continuous monitoring and proactive intelligence gathering to stay ahead of these illicit manufacturers.
A joint operation involving the FDA, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), and the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) raided the illegal production facility located at Jachie Abidjan Nkwanta on April 30, 2025. The raid yielded significant evidence, including bags and parcels of dried marijuana, labels for King’s Orange Flavoured Liqueur, and another unregistered alcoholic beverage identified as Jupiter 1990. The discovery of a second unregistered product suggests a broader network of illegal manufacturing and distribution, raising concerns about the potential prevalence of other contaminated products in the market.
Subsequent laboratory tests confirmed the presence of marijuana extracts in both King’s Orange Flavoured Liqueur and Jupiter 1990. All confiscated materials, including the illicit substances and production materials, were handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) of the Central Police Command in Kumasi to support their ongoing investigation. This collaborative effort between various law enforcement agencies demonstrates a coordinated approach to tackling the issue of illegal production and distribution, maximizing the potential for successful prosecution and disruption of these networks.
The FDA has emphasized the serious health risks associated with consuming these contaminated beverages, warning that ingestion could lead to significant and potentially irreversible damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. This warning underscores the importance of public awareness regarding the potential dangers of consuming unregulated products. The FDA has also instructed retailers and wholesalers to immediately cease sales of both King’s Orange Flavoured Liqueur and Jupiter 1990 and to return any existing stock to the nearest FDA office. This directive aims to swiftly remove the contaminated products from the market, minimizing the risk of further consumption and protecting public health. Furthermore, the FDA has reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the Drug Law Enforcement Unit of the Ghana Police Service and the Narcotics Control Commission to eradicate the circulation of unsafe products and ensure consumer safety. This ongoing collaborative effort emphasizes the importance of interagency cooperation in combating illegal manufacturing and distribution networks.
