As part of activities marking this year’s World Health Day, a registered dietician, Dr Frank Marful-Sau, has cautioned the general public to be vigilant when purchasing and consuming food supplements, particularly nutraceuticals. He underscored the importance of ensuring that such products meet safety standards and have been approved by Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority.
Speaking during an event organized by QNET on Monday, April 7, 2025, to commemorate the global health awareness day, Dr Marful-Sau explained that while food supplements can play a beneficial role in boosting nutrition and addressing deficiencies, consumers must take full responsibility for confirming their authenticity. He warned that relying solely on packaging or FDA stamps is no longer sufficient, as counterfeiters have become more sophisticated in replicating official seals and labels.
The dietician urged Ghanaians to purchase their supplements from credible and well-established vendors. According to him, sellers with a strong reputation are more likely to uphold high standards and less likely to distribute substandard or fake products. He also noted that unusually low prices could be a red flag, advising buyers to exercise caution and avoid being swayed by offers that seem too good to be true.
He further emphasized the importance of making informed decisions about nutritional products. While nutraceuticals have the potential to improve overall health, misuse or consumption of unverified products may lead to adverse effects. Dr Marful-Sau pointed out that supplements should be used to complement, not replace, a healthy and balanced diet, and that proper consultation with health professionals is essential before starting any new supplement routine.
Dr Marful-Sau’s comments come at a time when the local market is increasingly flooded with various brands of supplements, many of which lack proper certification or verification. The growing demand for wellness products has made the industry lucrative but has also opened the door for unscrupulous businesses to take advantage of uninformed consumers.
The event also featured remarks from QNET’s Global Compliance Officer, Naana Quartey, who addressed the issue of fraud and scams being carried out by individuals falsely claiming association with the company. She clarified that QNET operates strictly as a direct selling company and does not provide employment or travel opportunities.
She explained that QNET’s business model is built on selling products directly to consumers and allowing registered individuals to earn commissions through product sales. She stressed that any information suggesting that QNET is recruiting for jobs or offering visa deals is false and does not reflect the company’s operations.
Mrs Quartey further revealed that QNET has been actively involved in anti-scam campaigns and continues to provide support to those who have fallen victim to impersonators. The company, she said, hires legal experts to assist victims in pursuing justice and collaborates with law enforcement agencies to track and prosecute offenders.
She encouraged anyone affected by scams using QNET’s name to report the incidents without fear, assuring them of the company’s full support. According to her, transparency and accountability remain key pillars of QNET’s mission, and the company is determined to protect its brand as well as safeguard the interests of the public.
The World Health Day event served as a platform to raise awareness about the critical importance of consumer responsibility in the health and wellness space. Participants were reminded that while taking steps to enhance one’s health is commendable, such efforts must be grounded in knowledge, caution, and verification. The advice from both Dr Marful-Sau and Mrs Quartey reinforces the need for Ghanaians to remain vigilant and proactive when it comes to personal health decisions.
As the country continues to promote healthy living and preventive healthcare, experts believe that public education on food safety and supplement regulation is more essential than ever. With increasing access to information and products, ensuring that choices are guided by verified sources and professional advice remains a crucial step toward achieving better health outcomes for all.
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