THE public is warned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) against purchase and use of a counterfeit Safeguard Family Germ Protection Pure White 60 grams.

Together with the Market Authorization Holder (MAH) and Procter and Gamble Philippines, Inc., FDA has verified that Safeguard Family Germ Protection Pure White 60g with Batch/Lot number 50282043841 170618 is counterfeit.

Unlike the original Safeguard products, the counterfeit bar soap did not undergo safety assessment and quality assurance tests and may be containing health hazards and cannot be guaranteed to be safe or effective.

“The dangers/hazards of using counterfeit cosmetic products may come from ingredients that are not allowed to be part of a cosmetic product or from the contamination of heavy metals such as lead and mercury which may result to adverse reactions including but not limited to skin sensitization, skin irritation, anaphylactic shock, and organ failure,” FDA’s official statement said.

Thus, consumers are advised to check the batch and lot number of their purchased Safeguard Family Germ Protection Pure White 60g and to only purchase from trusted supermarkets and retailers to ensure purchase of the original item – and those that have undergone FDA verification process.

Cooperation of all concerned agencies including local government units (LGUs) are requested by FDA, Otherwise, regulatory actions and sanctions shall be strictly pursued. LGUs are advised to make sure these counterfeit items are not being sold and distributed in their area.