The Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has through a statement, cautioned media houses, influencers and celebrities on the promotion of products that have not undergone authorisation processes.

A statement issued by the FDA reminds the public that it is an offence under the Public Health Act, 2012, Act 851 to manufacture, import, export, distribute, sell, supply or exhibit for sale any of FDA’s regulated products which have not been duly registered.

According to the statement, media presenters are to note that Live Presenter Mentions aimed at promoting or advertising any FDA regulated products are prohibited.

The statement notes that approved advertisements are valid for a year and “must be renewed thereafter.”

Persons who go contrary to the regulations, according to the statement, are liable to a summary conviction and/or a fine of not less than 7,500 penalty units and not more than 15,000 penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not less than 15 years and not more than 25 years or both.

The FDA further urged the public to make use of “the Progressive Licensing Scheme to expand the scope and reach locally manufactured products.”

It has also asked that all unused and expired medicines be returned to various accredited pharmacies.