GUIDELINES FOR THE REGISTRATION OF LOCALLY MANUFACTURED FOODS IN GHANA

GUIDELINES FOR THE REGISTRATION OF LOCALLY MANUFACTURED FOODS IN GHANA

In Ghana, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) is the primary regulatory body responsible for registering food products, regardless of the size of the business. The FDA operates under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which grants it the authority to regulate the manufacturing, importation, distribution, sale, and advertisement of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and household chemical substances.

Contrary to popular belief, even small-scale and cottage businesses are required to follow these regulatory procedures before starting operations.

Steps for Registering Locally Manufactured Foods

To register locally manufactured food products with the FDA, applicants must:

1. Purchase and Complete Forms:
   • Obtain and fill out the application forms for licensing a food manufacturing establishment, product information, and premises approval.
2. Submit a Business Registration Certificate:
   • Provide proof of business registration from the Registrar General’s Department.
3. Provide Health/Food Handlers’ Test Certificates:
   • Submit certificates for tuberculosis, hepatitis A, typhoid, and other communicable diseases for every worker on the production line.
4. Submit a Certificate of Analysis:
   • Provide a scientific analysis certificate for each product and its variants.
5. Provide a Copy of the Product Label:
   • Submit the label design for review to ensure it meets FDA standards.
6. Submit Product Samples:
   • Provide samples of each product and variant for quality testing.
7. Pay the Registration Fee:
   • Fees for cottage businesses are typically lower to encourage compliance.
8. Provide Supporting Documentation:
   • If the product label makes claims regarding health, nutrition, or other attributes, submit evidence to substantiate these claims.

FDA Inspection and Quality Control

• Factory Inspection:
  No food product can be manufactured for sale unless the production site has been inspected and certified by the FDA.
• Quality Control Testing:
  Samples of finished products must undergo quality control testing. This scientific analysis identifies potential issues and ensures products meet the required standards. The FDA provides documentation specifying the parameters for testing, which must be conducted at recognized research centers in Ghana.

License Approval and Penalties

• Annual Licensing:
  The FDA license is valid for 1 year for local manufacturers and 3 years for foreign food products. Renewal is mandatory for continued operations.
• Suspension or Cancellation:
  The FDA reserves the right to suspend, withdraw, or cancel licenses if the conditions for approval are violated or the license is found to be fake.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance:
  Failure to adhere to FDA regulations attracts administrative charges under Section 148, Subsections 4 & 5 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).

Key Considerations for Manufacturers

1. Purchase raw materials and packaging from traceable and reputable sources.
2. Ensure all materials meet acceptable standards and are stored under appropriate conditions.
3. Strictly adhere to hygiene and safety standards from processing to packaging.

Conclusion

As a food manufacturing startup, whether producing shito, bread, palm oil, groundnut paste, or snacks, you must obtain FDA approval before selling or storing your products. This approval does not only ensures compliance with regulations but also boosts market acceptance by making your business formal and credible.

Remember, adhering to these guidelines protects your business from penalties and enhances your reputation, leading to increased sales and growth opportunities.