The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division) and the Ghana Standards Authority, has issued a warning regarding the importation of unhygienic and unregistered baby diapers into the country.
The joint regulatory bodies highlighted concerns over the persistent importation of disposable baby diapers, commonly known as “bale diapers,” which are often unhygienically packaged and lack proper labeling information.
These diapers, either hidden within bales of used clothing or improperly repackaged, pose serious health risks to infants and children.
According to the FDA, such imports violate guidelines for the registration of medical devices and fail to meet the specifications outlined in the Ghana Standards Authority’s GS 1166:2017 for single-use disposable baby diapers.
Mrs. Sylvia Mensah, the Chief Executive Officer of the FDA, emphasized the importance of ensuring that all imported baby diapers are registered and comply with safety standards.
The FDA’s rigorous evaluation process assesses materials used in diapers to ensure they are free from harmful substances that could endanger babies’ health.
Importers are urged to adhere to regulations by registering finished baby diapers before importation, ensuring proper packaging, and maintaining sanitary conditions during handling and distribution.
To assist consumers in making informed choices, the FDA has published a list of registered disposable baby diapers on their website (www.fdaghana.gov.gh).
The public is advised to purchase only FDA-approved diapers to safeguard the well-being of infants.
Attached is the full statement
FDA WARNS ON THE IMPORTATION OF UNHYGIENIC BABY DIAPERS
