The Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine has bemoaned the failure of some producers of herbal alcholic drinks to engage its services.

The Centre says although the producers may have the skills required to prepare these bitters, it was necessary for them to have their products tested before they go onto the market for consumption.

Executive Director of the Centre, Dr Augustine Ocloo says the importance of having consultations with the Centre before the products are made available for consumption cannot be underrated.

“Bitters have been in the system for a very long time…but the fact is that even though we know our ancestors were using bitters, from time to time we have been hearing about the death of people who went for some bitters or medicinal plants, used it and died.

“Medicinal plants can be very similar if you are not very good in determining which one is good for what it can be very dangerous.”

The number of bitters being sold on the Ghanaian market has increased sharply over the years.

Producers of these bitter promise the cure for various disease when their products are consumed.

But the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine says until the products are tested and certified by them, their intake might pose a health risk to consumers.

The Centre however, commended beverage producer Kasaproko for constantly ensuring that their products are tested before they are put on the market for sale.

Dr Ocloo said Kasapreko is the only company that has collaborated with it to have its products tested and approved.

“Kasapreko came with certain medicinal requirements for plants with properties that will support the body and promote vitality so we had to do our research and select certain specific plants with those properties for them.”

“So we selected seven plants and these seven plants are plants that we have used for the past 40 years at the centre and they can be combined to have a very good product,” Dr Ocloo said.

Dr. Ocloo mentioned that one of Kasapreko flagship brand 'Alomo Bitters' is, scientifically researched and has approved properties.

He called on other producers to emulate Kasapreko to ensure that the market is rid of harmful products.

Dr. Ocloo also advised consumers of herbal alcoholic drinks to check for the mark of efficacy on the products before consumption.

The Public Relations Director of the Centre, Baffour Osei Akoto said, "we are proud to be part of the Kasapreko story which is also a Ghanaian story. The company has proven what the power of a combination of science and technology can achieve. "

Kasapreko recently revamped its Alomo Bitters and Alomo Silver Bottle. The company has also introduced the Alomo Black and Alomo Gold.