FDA warns media houses against promoting unapproved products

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a strong warning to media practitioners against the advertisement and promotion of unapproved food and medicinal products, cautioning that violators will face legal consequences.

Nathaniel Nana Nkrumah, the Ashanti Regional Director of the FDA, delivered the advisory during a seminar on advertising guidelines held Wednesday morning for morning show hosts and news editors in the region.

Mr Nkrumah stated that any media house promoting unregistered products is in direct violation of national regulations, emphasising that media organisations found flouting these rules would not be immune from legal action.

“There are strict guidelines governing the promotion of food and medicinal products. Any media outfit that violates these can be held jointly and severally liable by the FDA and will face punitive sanctions,” he said.

The Regional Director outlined several key regulatory points during the session. He noted that no product—whether food or medicine—may be advertised unless it is first registered with the FDA. Additionally, all food service establishments are required to submit their promotional materials to the Authority for approval before broadcast or publication.

He further explained that if a registered product undergoes any changes without subsequent FDA approval, it is legally classified as an unregistered product.

Beyond registration requirements, Mr Nkrumah stressed that advertisement content must remain ethical. He indicated that all promotional material must encourage a balanced attitude toward drug usage, provide sufficient data for consumers to accurately weigh risks against benefits, and emphasise the rational and safe use of medicines in support of national health.

Kofi Adu Domfeh, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), commended the FDA for its proactive engagement with the press. He suggested that other state agencies and regulatory bodies adopt similar approaches, noting that such educational initiatives help the media better understand regulatory frameworks and effectively support public sensitisation efforts.