The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a public alert regarding a viral video promoting an unregistered substance called ‘Sukudai’ as a “heart cleanser.”
The product, mainly sold in the Kumasi metropolis, is claimed to corrode Styrofoam plates (disposable plates made from expanded polystyrene foam).
The FDA warns that Sukudai is not registered with the Authority. Laboratory analysis of samples collected in Kumasi confirmed the presence of chloroform, a colorless liquid with a pleasant, non-irritating odor and a slightly sweet taste.
According to the Authority, chloroform was historically used as an anesthetic in surgery and pharmaceutical preparations but is no longer used in medicine or the pharmaceutical industry due to its toxicity and serious health effects, including cancer.
The FDA cautions that chloroform is dangerous and should not be ingested or inhaled, as it can quickly enter the body and cause adverse health effects such as drowsiness, sedation, breathing difficulties, liver damage, kidney damage, loss of consciousness, severe cases of cancer, and even death.
The FDA is collaborating with stakeholders including National Security, the Ghana Police Service, and other agencies to address the issue.
The public is advised to avoid using Sukudai or any unregistered products and to report suspicious substances to the FDA via 0551112224/5 or fda@fda.gov.gh.
