Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Warns Public Against ‘Sukudai’ Sold As ‘Heart-Cleanser’
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned the public not to consume a substance known as “Sukudai,” which is being marketed as a heart-cleansing remedy, after laboratory tests detected chloroform, a toxic chemical linked to serious health risks, including cancer.
The regulator said the product, reportedly being sold mainly in Kumasi, is not registered with the authority.
The warning follows a viral video circulating on social media in which the substance is seen corroding a Styrofoam plate, raising concerns about its chemical composition.
According to the FDA, laboratory analysis of samples collected in Kumasi confirmed the presence of CHLOROFORM a chemical once used as an anaesthetic but no longer approved for medical use due to its toxic effects.
The FDA further cautions that chloroform is dangerous and should not be ingested or inhaled as it can quickly enter the body and cause adverse health effects including: drowsiness and sedation, breathing difficulties, liver damage, kidney damage, loss of consciousness in severe cases, cancer, and even death.
The authority cautioned that ingesting or inhaling chloroform can lead to severe health complications, including drowsiness, breathing difficulties, liver and kidney damage, loss of consciousness, cancer, and even death.
The FDA said it is working with National Security and the Ghana Police Service to halt the sale and distribution of the product.
It further warned that individuals found selling or distributing Sukudai or other unregistered medicines will face arrest and prosecution.
How to Report Concerns
- The FDA urges the public to report any persons found selling SUKUDAI through the ‘Make a Complaint’ section on our website at fdaghana.gov.gh.
- Members of the public have been urged to report persons selling the product through the FDA’s complaint platform or via its official hotlines.
What is Chloroform?
Chloroform is a colourless liquid with a pleasant, non-irritating odor and a slightly sweet taste. It was used in the past as an anaesthetic (substance used to put patients to sleep) during surgery and in pharmaceutical preparations. Chloroform is no longer used as medicine or in the pharmaceutical industry due to its toxicity and serious health effects including cancer.
What are the Dangers of Chloroform Use?
The FDA further cautions that chloroform is dangerous and should not be ingested or inhaled as it can quickly enter the body and cause adverse health effects including: drowsiness and sedation, breathing difficulties, liver damage, kidney damage, loss of consciousness in severe cases, cancer, and even death.
