The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has shut down the Famude Catering Services in the Ashanti Region and revoked its license for illegally producing two alcoholic drinks - Kings Orange Flavoured Liquer and Jupiter 1990.

These drinks are unregistered and have been found to contain marijuana (cannabis) extracts, according to the FDA.

The matter has been referred to the Suntresu District Police for investigation and prosecution.

Background

Kings Orange Flavoured Liquer was originally registered with the FDA in 2022. However, in July 2023, during routine market checks and lab tests, it was found to contain traces of marijuana.

Since then, the FDA, in collaboration with the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) of the Ghana Police Service and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), monitored the situation to prevent further violations.

However, in April 2025, the FDA received intelligence that Kings Orange Flavoured Liquer was still being sold in Koforidua.

Investigations led the team to a new unlicensed site. On April 30, a joint team from the FDA, NACOC, and the DLEU raided this illegal site at Jachie Abidjan Nkwanta.

They found bags and parcels of dried marijuana, labels of Kings Orange Flavoured Liqueur, and another unregistered drink called Jupiter 1990.

Samples of both products tested positive for marijuana extracts. All seized items were handed over to the DLEU of the Central Police Command in Kumasi to support ongoing investigations.

FDA's directive to wholesalers

Retailers and wholesalers have been directed to immediately stop selling these drinks and return all stock to the nearest FDA office.

Consumers have also been advised to avoid buying or drinking these products.

"Consuming such unsafe alcoholic drinks can seriously harm your health, including causing permanent damage to organs like the liver and kidneys," the FDA noted in a statement.

The FDA assured its commitment to protecting public health by ensuring that all regulated products, including alcoholic beverages, are safe, of good quality, and properly produced.