The Food and Drugs Authority in the Ashanti Region has raised fresh concerns over unapproved product promotions, warning that no advertisement should be aired without its prior clearance.

Addressing journalists at a training workshop in Kumasi, Regional Director Nathaniel Nana Nkrumah underscored that registration of a product is a prerequisite for any form of advertising, adding that the Authority must scrutinise and approve all promotional content before publication.

He drew attention to specific legal provisions - Section 100(1) on food, Section 114(1) on cosmetics and household chemicals, and Section 148 - which prohibits deceptive advertising under the Food and Drug Acts.

According to him, advertisers must remain within the approved scope of a product, cautioning against inflated claims, misleading comparisons, and what he termed “freestyle” promotions that fall outside regulatory approval.

Nkrumah explained that product registration, which typically lasts between one and two years, is essential to ensuring a level playing field in the market.

He also outlined categories of products that are outrightly barred from advertisement, including tobacco, infant formula, prescription-only medicines for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and cancer, homoeopathic products, and items linked to male sexual enhancement.

Beyond product categories, he warned against targeting vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. He further noted that advertisements must not claim to treat diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B, epilepsy, or leprosy.

On alcohol, he clarified that no product has been approved as an aphrodisiac, stressing that all alcoholic beverages are registered solely for consumption purposes. He cautioned advertisers against promoting “male vitality” claims, linking alcohol to success or sexual performance, or encouraging excessive drinking. He added that alcohol advertisements must carry health warnings and are restricted from airing between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Turning to herbal medicines, the FDA cautioned that endorsements by health professionals and celebrities are prohibited. He further stressed that no advertisement should promise 100% effectiveness or zero side effects, while promotional offers such as gifts or refunds are not permitted.

He concluded by reminding the media that all advertisements must include safety warnings and encourage the public to report adverse reactions using the FDA Med Safety App.