FDA urges consumers to report suspicious products, food practices

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has urged consumers to report any suspicious products and food preparation practices, especially those involving substances with unusual chemical smells. 

The call follows a viral social media video alleging that some food vendors are using harmful substances, believed to be ‘Akeshaa’, a bleaching agent, in preparing foods such as waakye, okro, and ayoyo soup. 

In a press statement dated January 28, 2026, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the FDA clarified that its routine market surveillance and laboratory investigations showed that the substance captured in the video was not ‘Akeshaa’ but sodium carbonate, commonly known as light soda ash. 

The Authority explained that sodium carbonate is not harmful and is a globally approved food additive used in regulated quantities to enhance texture and colour in some foods. 

It stressed, however, that ‘Akeshaa’ is a highly toxic chemical with a strong odour and can cause severe health complications if consumed. 

The FDA encouraged the public to remain vigilant when purchasing foods and to promptly report any suspicious practices to help protect public health. 

It assured that it would continue market surveillance, consumer education, and sensitisation activities to ensure adherence to food safety regulations. 

Consumers were advised to visit the FDA website at www.fdaghana.gov.gh or call the Authority’s hotline on 055 111 2224 to report suspected unsafe products or food handling practices. 

Source: GNA