Food service establishments will seek for FDA advertisement permission.

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has directed all food service businesses to seek its approval for advertisements across media channels by December 1, 2024.

The FDA emphasized that any food service establishment promoting its products without prior approval breaches both the FDA’s Advertisement Guidelines for Regulated Products and Section 100 (2) of the Public Health Act 2012, Act 851. According to a statement signed by the FDA’s Chief Executive Officer, Madam Delese Mimi Darko, and distributed to the Ghana News Agency, the law specifies that “A person shall not advertise food unless the advertisement has been approved by the Authority.”

The FDA’s statement further highlighted that violating these provisions could result in severe penalties under Section 129 of Act 851. Offenders may face a fine ranging from 7,500 to 15,000 penalty units, or imprisonment from 15 to 25 years, or both.

In its notice, the FDA defined “Food Service Establishments” to include businesses that store, prepare, package, serve, or sell food, covering restaurants, bakeries, canteens, online food vendors, institutional caterers, and fast-food outlets. Advertisements across various media platforms, including billboards, social media, and other below-the-line channels, must align with the FDA’s Advertisement Guidelines and receive approval. Approved advertisements will be valid for one year, with a requirement for annual renewal.

Additionally, the statement reminded live media presenters who promote FDA-regulated products to use only Authority-approved scripts. The FDA also urged the public to remain vigilant regarding the specified batch of Benylin Paediatric Syrup, instructing any findings to be reported to FDA offices nationwide.

The FDA acknowledged the public’s support in helping maintain health and safety standards through adherence to these regulations.