The Food and Drugs Authority has issued an urgent public warning after investigations revealed that a substance being sold as “Sukudai”, promoted as a “heart-cleansing” remedy, contains dangerous chemicals that could pose serious health risks.
The alert, released on Friday, March 13, 2026, followed a report by JoyNews which highlighted the circulation of the product and its potential dangers. Laboratory analysis has confirmed that the substance contains high concentrations of chloroform, a toxic chemical known to have severe health effects.
Public concern intensified after videos circulating on social media showed the liquid dissolving Styrofoam plates. According to the FDA, this reaction is consistent with the chemical properties of chloroform, which acts as a strong solvent.
Health authorities explained that chloroform was historically used as an anaesthetic in surgery but was later discontinued in medicine and pharmaceuticals because of its high toxicity and its association with cancer.
The FDA cautioned that chloroform is a colourless liquid that can easily enter the body when swallowed or inhaled. Exposure to the chemical can lead to severe health complications, including damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys, breathing difficulties, sedation, neurological problems, and in extreme cases, death.
Further investigation by researchers at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology provided additional scientific explanation for the demonstrations seen online. According to the researchers, chloroform can dissolve polystyrene, the material used to produce Styrofoam.
While sellers of the product claim this reaction proves that the liquid can “melt” fat or unblock the heart, the scientists explained that the chemical is simply dissolving plastic and that its impact on human tissue would be harmful rather than therapeutic. The researchers described the claims about its supposed cleansing properties as scientifically unfounded and potentially dangerous.
The FDA has since moved to enforce regulatory action against those involved in producing and distributing the product. The Authority said it is working together with Ghana Police Service and national security agencies to identify and arrest individuals behind the sale of the unregistered tonic.
“The FDA cautions the public that Sukudai is NOT registered by the Authority… we are working to arrest and prosecute anyone found distributing or selling this and other unregistered products,” the statement signed by the FDA Chief Executive Officer stressed.
Members of the public have been advised to immediately stop using any product labelled “Sukudai” or any unlabelled liquid promoted as a heart-cleansing remedy, particularly those being sold in the Kumasi area. Consumers are also encouraged to report vendors through the FDA’s complaint platform or by contacting its hotlines.
The warning comes at a time when the Authority is intensifying regulatory measures in the health sector. As part of these efforts, the FDA is also overseeing a nationwide recall of alcoholic energy drinks containing stimulants such as caffeine and ginseng, with manufacturers expected to comply by March 31, 2026.
