Lawyers for Adonko Bitters petition FDA over ban

Lawyers of Angel Group of Companies, producers of Adonko Bitters have petitioned the Food and Drugs Board over its decision to temporarily ban the product.

In a statement, a copy of which was made available to Myjoyonline.com, lawyer Samson Lardy Anyenini said his client has provided all the necessary information to FDA in respect of the incidents surrounding the company’s Easter Monday Adonko Bitters Aseda Bash, which formed the basis for the company’s ban.

Scores of patrons of the Adonko Bitters were said to have “passed out” after heavily drinking the bitters during the April 17, bash at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi in the Ashanti region.

The bash was also meant to reward loyal consumers of the product. But the happiness that greeted the programme turned into a nightmare for the company after media reports suggested multiple patrons were left unconscious after drinking the product.

The FDA subsequently banned any activity involving Adonko Bitters but Samson Lardy Anyenini is convinced the regulatory body will reverse its decision once it fully interrogates the detailed information and documentation provided them.

He also stated in the petition that the product sold on the day of the bash was of high quality and approved by the FDA, adding, “the incident of suspected abuse of the product during the special aseda bash event is completely unconnected to the safety and quality of Adonko Bitters.”

The following is the full petition to the FDA

RE: FDA SANCTIONS AGAINST ADONKO BITTERS PENDING INVESTIGATIONS INTO SUSPSECTED VIOLATIONS  

We are solicitors for ANGEL GROUP OF COMPANIES whose subsidiary are manufacturers of Adonko Bitters, and have instructions of our clients to bring to your kind notice as follows:

1. That the company has petitioned the Food & Drugs Authority over the decisions and actions particularly in sanctioning Adonko Bitters Limited which it publicly announced last week pending investigations into allegations that the company’s Easter Monday April 17 2017 Adonko Bitters Aseda Bash concert at the Baba Yara Stadium left some “youth passing out as a result of excessive intake of the alcoholic product.”
2. That the FDA has been supplied information and facts that should assist put matters of the said event in proper perspective, and hopefully inform a quick revision/reversal of the decisions and actions taken so far. This should also allay any fears by patrons of products manufactured by our clients, and these include the facts below:

1. That the manufacturing practices and quality monitoring systems remain as thoroughly examined and approved by the FDA, and that the incident of suspected abuse of the product during the special aseda bash event is completely unconnected to the safety and quality of Adonko Bitters.
2. That it ought to be stated with emphasis that the product sold at the event remains the product approved by the FDA except for a special event promotional label. The assurance is therefore given the FDA and consumers that the quality and safety of the said product is what the FDA has already approved.
3. That further assurance is given the FDA and consumers of the company’s full commitment and cooperation with ongoing investigations even though it is certain the outcome will confirm the contents of the product remains what the FDA approved.
4. That in line with these facts and the above sincere assurances of full commitment and cooperation and in full compliance with the FDA’s directive to recall the product, the company further assures that it is embarking upon same forthwith.
5. That the company states that while recalling the product with batch number 201, it is also simultaneously announcing to the general public to return said product anyone may have for replacement.
6. That the company is happy to note that the special event promotional labeling of the said batch of said product makes it even easier for identification and will assist all to separate it (though was left unsold at the event) from what has always been on the market and embraced by consumers for its high quality.

1. That the company, without prejudice, accepts in good faith the administrative charge of GHC 25,000.00 resulting from the FDA’s decision of a lapse on part of the company in running promotions for the said event with the product with celebrity association with the event without prior notice and approval of the FDA.
2. That the company, however, disagrees with claims and suggestions of violations where there is no evidence that the product was sold to minors and/or that consumers on the occasion were adversely affected by its consumption. There was massive police and military presence to ensure the safety of patrons. There was ambulance which on record attended to a patron who needed medical attention. It is difficult to make scientific claims of pictures whose sources cannot be guaranteed. That, notwithstanding, the company apologizes for any untoward developments leading to the FDA’s actions.
3. That the FDA and the general public is assured, most sincerely, of the company’s fullest commitment to the FDA’s requirements and all safety and quality standards which have given products of the company international acceptance, and also that the appropriate notices and approvals for such promotional events shall be strictly adhered to in future.

Thank You.

Signed

SAMSON LARDY ANYENINI, ESQ.

A-PARTNERS@LAW