Any business serving food and advertising its products must seek approval from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) before airing advertisements on any media platform. This requirement, which applies to all food service establishments, must be fulfilled by December 1, 2024.
According to the FDA’s guidelines, any business that advertises food without valid approval is in violation of Section 100 (2) of the Public Health Act 2012, Act 851. A statement signed by Madam Delese Mimi Darko, the Chief Executive Officer of the FDA, emphasized that under the law, it is illegal to advertise food products without authorization from the Authority.
The statement highlighted that violators could face penalties under Section 129 of Act 851, which includes fines ranging from 7,500 to 15,000 penalty units or imprisonment between 15 and 25 years. The FDA intends to strictly enforce these regulations to protect public health and safety.
The term ‘Food Service Establishment’ covers a wide range of operations, including restaurants, bakeries, canteens, fast-food outlets, online food businesses, and institutional catering services. The statement also noted that advertisements must comply with the FDA’s guidelines for all media platforms, including billboards, social media, and below-the-line media.
Approved advertisements are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Furthermore, live media presenters promoting FDA-regulated products must strictly adhere to scripts approved by the Authority. The FDA called on the public to report any issues related to Benylin Paediatric Syrup to its offices and thanked businesses for their cooperation in adhering to these important health and safety regulations.
