The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has ordered persons who have in their possession the food supplement COA FS, to return the products to the manufacturer or point of sale.

According to the FDA, laboratory analysis on random COA FS products picked from the manufacturing company and the market, showed it was not safe for consumption.

A press release signed by the CEO, Mrs Delese A. A. Darko, the Authority said that upon further checks, the product has been found to contain Escherichia coli, a type of bacteria that normally lives in the intestines.

The FDA said that E Coli as it is popularly known, causes gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

E Coli, it added, when exposed to children and adults, could cause serious health implications some of which could lead to a kidney failure.

COA FS, according to the FDA, also showed signs of excessive microbial, mould and yeast contamination.

“In view of the above, those who are in possession of the product are being directed to return the product to the manufacturer, place of purchase or any of the FDA offices across the country," the statement said.

It also directed the manufacturer, COA Herbal Centre, in Workroom near Cape Coast, to withdraw the products from the market.

Again, FDA officers across the country have been tasked to ensure the “contaminated” COA FS are out of the market.

“The FDA wants to assure the general public that it will always uphold the health and safety of Ghanaians as mandated by the Public Health Act 2012 Act 851."

COA FS complies

Meanwhile, manufacturers of COA FS have begun withdrawing the products from the market following the order by the FDA.

They called for COA FSs with the batch number CFS00003 manufactured on October 20, 2019, with the expiry date October 19, 2021, and others with the batch number CFS00004 manufactured on November 18, 2019, with the expiry date November 17, 2021, to be sent back to the company or point of sale.

“The decision to withdraw these two batched follows the precautionary principles and the centre’s commitment to consumer safety, quality and transparency as well as regulatory requirements of the Food and Drugs Authority,” COA Herbal Centre wrote in a notice to the public.

It urged retailers and consumers to remain calm as it undergoes this exercise to bring them the best of products.

“The Centre deeply regrets the inconvenience this exercise may cause its key partners and the general public,” it added.