FDA Bans Alcoholic Energy Drinks, Orders Nationwide Withdrawal by March 2026
Manufacturers and distributors warned to reformulate products or face sanctions
- FDA orders removal of alcoholic energy drinks by March 2026
- Decision based on safety review under Public Health Act
- Drinks mixing alcohol and stimulants linked to health and behavioural risks
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has directed all importers, manufacturers, and distributors of alcoholic energy drinks to withdraw such products from the Ghanaian market by the end of March 2026.
The order affects beverages that combine alcohol with stimulants including caffeine, inositol, glucuronolactone, ginseng, and guarana.
According to the FDA, the decision follows a post-registration safety review conducted under Sections 81 and 82(a) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which evaluated the health risks and regulatory compliance of these products.
The Authority noted that several countries around the world have already restricted or banned alcoholic energy drinks due to growing public health concerns.
Scientific findings indicate that mixing alcohol with stimulants can pose serious health dangers and may contribute to harmful behavioural and psychological effects, particularly among young people and unsuspecting consumers.
The review received technical backing from the FDA’s Food Expert Committee and the Technical Advisory Committee on Food Safety and Nutrition.
As part of the directive, producers have been instructed to reformulate their beverages to comply with approved standards, ensuring alcoholic drinks and energy drinks are produced and marketed separately. Any non-compliant products found on the market after the March 2026 deadline will be withdrawn and sanctioned.
The FDA also urged the public to remain alert and report any prohibited or suspicious products, reaffirming its commitment to protecting consumer health and safety.
