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Health implications of serving dry ice in cocktails
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The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned bar operators and cocktail consumers about the health risk of dry ice served in cocktails.
In a feature article copied to The Spectator, it stated that the use of dry ice in cocktails has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it added a unique and impressive visual effect to many cocktails because of the dramatic “smoking” effect it created.
“Although dry ice itself is not toxic, it can pose certain health risks if not handled properly. It is, therefore, important to educate the public on the proper handling and use of dry ice to prevent any potential safety hazards,” the article said.
The FDA noted that the revellers at night clubs, bars and other eateries must beware of the risk of carbon dioxide exposed in such enclosed places, due to the use of dry ice.
“When dry ice is added to drinks, it sublimates (i.e. moving directly from the solid state to the gaseous state), releasing carbon dioxide gas. This gas could displace oxygen in the air and create a hazardous environment, particularly in small or enclosed spaces. To prevent this risk, it is important to use dry ice in a well-ventilated area and avoid using too much dry ice at once,” it warned.
Additionally, the FDA said that bartenders must educate themselves and other staff on the proper handling of dry ice. This included wearing gloves and using tongs or other appropriate tools to handle the dry ice, as it can cause frostbite or burns if it comes into contact with skin.
The FDA further advised cocktail providers to alert their staff and customers to avoid ingesting dry ice in their drinks, which causes serious injury to their mouths and stomach walls.
The Authority informed bartenders to store dry ice in a well-ventilated, cool, and dry area, and should not be sealed in airtight containers or rooms.
“It is also important to transport dry ice in insulated containers to prevent any potential safety hazards during transport,” it added.
Moreover, the FDA, underscored the importance of labelling drinks which contained dry ice, thereby forewarning customers of the potential hazards associated with it.
“This can be done with a label or warning sign on the menu, or by informing customers directly when they order the drink,” it said.
The FDA, therefore, entreated consumers to be cautious about carbon dioxide exposure, and that the potential for frostbite and burns were the main risks associated with dry ice.
“A little usage of dry ice goes a long way when it comes to creating the “smoking” effect. Using too much dry ice can be dangerous, as it can cause an excessive amount of carbon dioxide gas inhalation,” it advised.
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a colourless, odourless gas that is present in the air we breathe. It is extremely cold, with a temperature of around -78.5°C, thus making it a great option for chilling drinks quickly.
General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has filed his nomination to contest the position of General Secretary again as the party begins its rebuilding efforts ahead of the 2028 general elections.
He was accompanied by party stalwarts and supporters who were in high spirits, expressing confidence that he is the right person to hold the position.
Speaking after filing his nomination, Mr Kodua Frimpong assured the rank and file of the party that he would not disappoint them.
“I can assure you that the faith the rank and file of the party have had in me, I will never disappoint them,” he said.
He also pledged to run a clean campaign devoid of personal attacks.
“I can assure you that our internal campaign will be devoid of personal attacks,” he told his fellow contestants and the rank and file of the party as he seeks to retain his position.
His tenure has seen the party through the 2024 general elections, where the NPP lost power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after eight years in government.
The party is currently in a rebuilding phase, with internal elections scheduled to elect new national executives to lead its reorganization towards the 2028 polls.
The General Secretary position is considered one of the most influential in the party’s administrative structure, responsible for the day-to-day running of the party secretariat and implementation of party decisions.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.
In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.
The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.
According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.
UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.
The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.
It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.
UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.
The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.
The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.
Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.
By: Jacob Aggrey
