Bolgatanga: The Upper East Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has announced that the registration of products by the authority does not entitle shop owners to advertise those products. The FDA has raised concerns about unauthorized advertisements on radio and television stations across the country and has emphasized that no product should be advertised without prior approval from the FDA.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Jiah Jiato Juah, Regulatory Officer 1 (RO 1) at the FDA, stated that in an effort to maintain public health and safety, the FDA requires that advertisements for products also receive approval. Mr. Juah made these comments during a training program in Bolgatanga, aimed at educating supermarket and shop operators on good storage and distribution practices in the region.
The training session involved discussions about part seven of the Public Health Act 2012; Act 851. Mr. Juah informed participants that before any advertisement is broadcasted, it must be submitted to the FDA for review and approval. He emphasized that even if a product is registered, it cannot be advertised without an approved advertisement.
He further clarified that the FDA has encountered issues with some radio stations that mistakenly believe registration certificates allow advertising. Mr. Juah reiterated that the certificates pertain to the products themselves, not their advertisements.
Mr. Juah also cautioned the public against advertisements for herbal medicines that are not registered with the FDA, as they can be dangerous. He warned that some adverts falsely claim FDA approval to mislead consumers. The FDA does not approve advertisements that include inappropriate content, such as references to sexual organs.
He highlighted that it is illegal to manufacture, label, package, sell, or advertise food in a misleading or deceptive manner, as it violates the law concerning the product’s character, nature, value, and safety.
Mr. Abel Ndego, the Acting Regional Head of the FDA, addressed participant concerns during the training. He mentioned that the Authority imposes fines on operators who breach the Public Health Act. He urged operators to comply with regulations and seek guidance from the FDA if unsure about any aspect.
Mr. Ndego revealed that some shops in the Bolgatanga municipality consult the FDA for advice on consignment lists before ordering products. The authority reviews these lists to determine the suitability of the products. He warned shop operators to be cautious about the products they sell, as non-registration and sale of non-compliant products are serious legal offenses.