FDA warns producers against advertising products without approval
Ndego explained that the FDA’s mandate includes vetting and approving all product advertisements to protect consumers from misleading claims.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a strong warning to producers, particularly manufacturers and distributors of alcoholic beverages, against advertising their products without prior approval from the Authority.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Tuesday December 16, the Acting Upper East Regional Director of the FDA, Abel Ndego, said any individual or company that advertises products on social or traditional media without the necessary FDA clearance is in breach of the law and liable to sanctions, including fines.
Ndego explained that the FDA’s mandate includes vetting and approving all product advertisements to protect consumers from misleading claims.
“We ensure that all information given out about a product is vetted and approved because many people rely on advertisements to understand the quality and function of products.” He said.
“If you mislead consumers by claiming qualities that are not true, you create false expectations. When consumers patronise such products and realise the claims are inaccurate, that amounts to deception and is a clear violation of the law.”
He stressed that the FDA’s regulatory oversight extends to social media platforms, noting that the Authority has already taken enforcement action in the region.
“Even on social media, we regulate advertisements. In our region, we once had the unpleasant duty of fining three individuals who were advertising unregistered products on TikTok. We therefore urge producers to ensure that any product they advertise is properly registered and approved.” He added.
Ndego also cautioned media houses against airing or publishing advertisements for products without first requesting proof of FDA advertising approval. According to him, media organisations that fail to comply risk sanctions, including fines, for allowing their platforms to be used to promote unapproved products.
He further assured the public that the FDA has simplified its product registration and approval processes to make compliance easier for producers.
“Many people think product registration is cumbersome and complicated, but honestly, it is quite a simple process, applicants are required to provide their business registration certificate and submit product samples for quality checks and laboratory analysis. Once the product meets the required standards, we grant marketing authorisation.”
Ndego urged producers to engage the Authority early to have their products vetted and approved, stressing that compliance not only safeguards public health but also builds consumer trust
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