The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has penalised some 148 manufacturing companies across the country for advertising unapproved products, and also for failing to adhere to the safety standards.
The sale of expired products, mislabeling, or distributing unapproved products, according to the FDA, violates its safety standards. The companies, which include producers of cosmetics, herbal medicines, and media outlets have, therefore, been fined a minimum of GH₵25,000 each totalling some GH₵3.7 million with additional penalties imposed on repeat offenders.
This cleanup forms part of the FDA’s broader strategy to ensure compliance with regulations designed to protect consumers from potentially harmful products.
The Head of Investigations at the FDA, Matthew Nkum, disclosed that some of the sanctioned companies have already begun paying their fines, while others are being pursued by the FDA’s legal team.
Mr. Nkum emphasized the serious nature of the violations, noting that unapproved advertisements pose significant risks to public health by potentially misleading consumers about the safety and efficacy of products.
He further clarified that product registration with the FDA does not automatically grant the right to advertise, as companies must first submit their advertising materials for FDA review and approval.
The process for advertising approval is straightforward, involving the submission of a script or application to the FDA, which is reviewed by a committee. This typically takes a few days and requires a fee of GH¢600,” Mr. Nkum explained.
He stated that this step is crucial to ensuring that all advertised products meet the required safety standards before they are promoted to the public.
In addition to the 148 companies sanctioned, another 48 entities, including three individuals, have been cautioned for similar offences. The FDA’s actions are part of a broader effort to enhance public awareness about the importance of adhering to regulatory standards.
Mr. Nkum noted that the FDA has intensified its public sensitization campaigns, urging companies to ensure their products are approved before advertising and reminding media houses to obtain approval letters from the FDA before airing any advertisements.
Furthermore, he assured the public of the FDA’s commitment to ensuring the safety of products on the market, calling for greater collaboration between the FDA, manufacturers, and the media.
Meanwhile, he also urged consumers to remain vigilant and only use products that have been properly vetted and approved by the FDA.
