By Samira Larbie
Accra, May 15, GNA – The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned celebrities against advertising unapproved products on social media.
Mrs. Rhoda Appiah, Head of Communications and Public Education, said celebrities must ensure products advertised have been approved and comply with FDA regulations.
She gave the caution at a stakeholder meeting on the Authority’s new consolidated guidelines on the advertisement of regulated products.
The guidelines aim to ensure advertisements for food, allopathic/orthodox medicines, herbal and homeopathic medicines, food supplements, medical devices, cosmetics, and household chemical substances are responsible and do not mislead the public.
Mrs. Appiah warned that offenders could face sanctions under sections 767, 110, and 142 of the Public Health Act.
Defaulters could be sentenced for a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 25 years.
The guidelines also seek to regulate the advertising of alcoholic beverages to reduce minors’ exposure and promote the responsible use of alcohol, sweetened beverages, and energy drinks.
Mrs. Appiah said the document consolidates existing regulations into a single comprehensive guide.
It also proposes increasing the validity of advertisement approvals to two years, reducing administrative delays, and allowing businesses to submit promotional campaign content in bulk.
“So, if you are a small business, do not hesitate. There are particular schemes arranged for you. Even more important, when you have your product, make sure you do not advertise or market it in a way that the FDA has not approved of,” she said.
Mrs Appiah stressed that the guidelines aim to foster creativity rather than limit it, ensuring a space where the public remains informed, safeguarded, and treated with respect.
She said the core values underpinning the guidelines include truthfulness, protection of vulnerable groups, adherence to ethical standards, and compliance with legal requirements.
“Your insights that you have submitted to us over the last few months have been invaluable and reaffirm our shared goal to ensure that advertisements for regulated products are not only creative and impactful, but they are also responsible, they are ethical and align with the law.
Mrs. Appiah stated that the consolidated advertisement guidelines function as a dynamic framework, with each document governed as an evolving and adaptable regulatory tool.
She urged all businesses, regardless of size, to ensure their products are FDA-approved to avoid sanctions.
Stakeholders in the food, drug, cosmetic, household, and chemical industries attended the meeting.
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