FDA bans alcoholic stimulant drinks from the market by March 2026

By Amoako Kwame

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has instructed all importers, manufacturers, and distributors to remove mixed drinks that combine alcohol with stimulants such as caffeine, ginseng, guarana, inositol, and glucuronolactone from the Ghanaian market by the end of March 2026.

In a statement released by the FDA on 25 February 2026, the authority revealed that the decision followed a post-registration review conducted under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851). The FDA’s assessment considered international and regional cases where countries have restricted or banned alcoholic energy drinks due to public health risks.

The Authority says a review by its Food Expert Committee and Technical Advisory Committee on Food Safety and Nutrition supports the scientific evidence showing that consuming drinks combining alcohol and stimulants can lead to serious health problems and risky behaviors, particularly among youth and young adults.

Manufacturers are also required to reformulate products so that alcoholic beverages and energy drinks are sold as separate categories. Products remaining on the market after the March deadline will face regulatory sanctions, including withdrawal.

The FDA urged consumers to report any suspicious or non-compliant products, reinforcing its commitment to food safety and public health.

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