ONLINE sellers are warned against selling products unregistered under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In a memorandum released by FDA last Friday, March, the government agency reminded the online sellers to sell only FDA-registered products as they may face specific penalties covered by law if they continue with their illegal practice.

"As covered by the Joint DTI-DOH-DA Administrative Order No. 01 series of 2008, all retailers, sellers, and distributors, suppliers, or manufacturers engaged in electronic commerce with consumers are hereby directed to ensure compliance with the requirements for safe and quality health products by placing in the market only FDA-authorized health products," read the FDA memorandum.

It also said that violation of said provisions of the joint administrative order will be dealt with accordingly as following the RA 9711, RA 7394, otherwise known as the "Consumer Act of the Philippines"; their Implementing Rules and Regulations, and other applicable laws.

In earlier published reports, it was said that certain cosmetic products which were prevalently sold online contains mercury and could pose serious health risks for users.

Regularly, FDA reminds consumers to use and purchase only FDA-registered products and commodities as they have undergone thorough testing by the government agency.