FDA orders recall of Franko Herbal Mixture, shuts down Jacobu factory

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has ordered Franko Herbal Centre to pull its Franko Herbal Mixture from the market within 14 days, after tests found the product contained drugs that are not supposed to be in a herbal medicine.

The factory that makes the mixture at Jacobu in the Ashanti Region has also been shut down. The FDA says it will safely dispose of the recalled products.

In a notice dated October 19, 2026, the FDA warned that the company could face further sanctions, including criminal prosecution, if it fails to comply.

According to the FDA, laboratory analysis showed that the mixture was adulterated with diazepam and paracetamol, even though it is registered as a herbal medicine made from three plants.

“The analysis established that Franko Herbal Mixture, which, was registered to contain herbal plants, namely, Carica papaya, Alstonei boonei and Tetrapleura tetraptera, has been adulterated with the underlisted pharmaceutical products and the respective indications,” the notice read.

Diazepam is a prescription-only medicine used to treat anxiety disorders, acute alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms and certain types of seizures. Paracetamol is an over-the-counter painkiller and fever reducer for mild-to-moderate pain.

The FDA says having both in a herbal product puts people at risk.

“The presence of Diazepam and Paracetamol in herbal medicinal product poses serious health and safety risks to the public. 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.”

The notice also warns that an overdose of paracetamol can cause severe liver damage and acute liver failure, which can be fatal if not treated quickly.

The Authority said the mixture breaks the law on several counts. Under Section 111 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), it is an offence to sell an adulterated herbal medicinal product. It is also an offence to manufacture, label, package, sell or advertise a herbal product in a false, misleading or deceptive way, including about its composition.

The public is strongly advised not to buy or take Franko Herbal Mixture. Retailers and distributors have been asked to comply strictly with the directive, and anyone found selling the product should be reported to the nearest FDA office.