Before launching a new campaign for a functional beverage that claims to boost immunity, what steps would you take to ensure that the messaging and product claims are compliant with Philippine advertising and regulatory standards, such as the Ad Standards Council (ASC) clearance and FDA regulations?

Situation

In my previous role as an assistant brand manager for a health supplement, we planned to launch a new variant with a specific functional claim.

Task

My task was to ensure all packaging and advertising materials passed ASC review and complied with FDA Philippines' guidelines for food supplement claims, avoiding any misleading or unapproved health claims.

Action

I started by reviewing the FDA's list of permitted health claims and cross-referencing our product's scientific substantiation. I drafted all key messages and packaging copy and submitted them to our regulatory affairs team for internal review. We then applied for ASC pre-clearance, providing the required documentation including the FDA certificate of product registration and evidence for claims. After receiving ASC clearance with notes, we adjusted the copy to meet their feedback, ensuring no therapeutic claims were made. I also briefed our creative agency on the compliance boundaries so the final materials were aligned.

Result

The campaign launched on time with zero ASC violations or FDA warnings, and our retail partners appreciated the clear, compliant labeling. The product achieved its sales targets without any regulatory setbacks.