The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned the public to immediately stop consuming Franko Herbal Mixture after laboratory tests found it has been adulterated with unlisted pharmaceutical drugs.
The Authority, in a Product Recall notice dated October 19, 2026, said analysis established that the product, manufactured by Franko Herbal Centre at Jacobu in the Ashanti Region, contains Diazepam and Paracetamol.
“According to the analysis, Franko Herbal Mixture, which was registered to contain herbal plants namely Carica papaya, Alstonia boonei and Tetrapleura tetraptera, has been adulterated with unlisted pharmaceutical products. The products are Diazepam and Paracetamol,” the FDA stated.
The Authority stressed that the product flouts regulatory requirements, stating: “Franko Herbal Mixture flouts all these requirements and more: It is registered with the Authority as a herbal medicinal product and must not contain any other drug substance.”
On the health implications, the FDA warned that the presence of the two drugs poses serious risks.
“Diazepam can interact with other medicines which may increase the risk of severe sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. In addition, long-term use or abuse of diazepam can interfere with the functions of the central nervous system, causing symptoms such as confusion, forgetfulness, dizziness, fatigue, nightmares or hallucinations, impaired judgment and seizures,” it said.
“On the other hand, an overdose of paracetamol can lead to severe liver damage and acute liver failure, which can be fatal if not treated quickly.”
The FDA has ordered the company to recall the product within 14 days, shut down its manufacturing factory at Jacobu, and announced it will conduct a safe disposal of the recalled products.
The Authority warned the company risks further sanctions, including criminal prosecution, if it fails to abide by the directives, and urged the public to report persons offering the product for sale to the nearest FDA office.
