FDA warns against importation of unhygienic baby diapers

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a warning to importers, manufacturers and distributors of substandard and unhygienic baby diapers (known as bale diapers) into the country, which will result in their seizure.

The FDA said the safe disposal of the susbstandard product would be at a cost to the importer.

The Authority, in a statement dated Monday, April 8, emphasised that “the importation of unregistered, poor-quality, and unhygienically packaged baby diapers into the country will result in their seizure and safe disposal at a cost to the importer.”

“The public is to note that materials used for baby diapers are tested by the Authority during the product registration process. This ensures that any dyes, skin irritants, or toxins are absent so as not to cause harm to babies. In addition, handling of bale diapers, frequently re-packed and relabelled under insanitary conditions, can cause germs to enter the genital region of a child, especially a girl child, further posing great danger to their health and well-being.”

“Imported finished baby diapers should be registered before importation, with an approved label and ready for sale. A finished registered baby diaper is a diaper that has been duly evaluated by the FDA and conforms with GS 1166:2017. All registered diapers imported into the country must be well-packaged and properly sealed to protect the product from moisture, soiling, contamination and damage during transportation, storage and distribution throughout the product’s shelf-life,” parts of the statement read.

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The FDA stated that it allows the importation of raw materials for the manufacture of baby diapers, but the importer should have a licensed facility for the manufacture of baby diapers.

“All facilities, both local and foreign, for the manufacture of baby diapers, are subjected to Good Manufacturing Practice inspection. The relevant fees apply,” it added.

The FDA reiterated its commitment to continue to collaborate with the GRA (Customs Division) to ensure that disposable baby diapers on the market are safe and meet the required standards.

However, the Authority reportedly destroyed 500 bales of substandard baby diapers valued at GH¢3 million at its recycling plant at Ashiaman, on Friday.

The destruction of the two 40-footer containers of diapers, which were seized from the markets at Kasoa, Tema and Accra, was to “ensure the safety of consumers.”

Below is the FDA’s full statement:

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