The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has confiscated 4,504 unregistered, counterfeit and potentially harmful cosmetic products during a week-long market surveillance operation conducted across 15 regions of Ghana.

The nationwide exercise, led by the FDA’s Regional Operations Directorate, targeted supermarkets, cosmetic shops and other retail outlets to prevent the sale of unregistered cosmetic products, particularly those containing dangerous substances such as hydroquinone and steroids.

According to the Authority, the operation led to the confiscation of thousands of non-compliant products from the market, reinforcing its efforts to protect consumers from unsafe cosmetics.

The FDA has repeatedly cautioned the public against using cosmetic products containing hydroquinone and steroids, warning that prolonged use can result in serious health effects, including skin damage, discolouration and other complications.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health through sustained market surveillance and strict enforcement measures. It also urged consumers to purchase cosmetic products only from licensed outlets and to verify their registration status before use.