THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the public of misleading claims and promotional ploy on "alkaline water" and "oxygenated water."
In its advisory, the FDA told the public that drinking alkaline, oxygenated or ionized water does not change the blood pH level.
"Consumers are advised not to fall prey to those unscrupulous vendors and peddlers," the FDA stated.
Any distributors that are promoting and offering for sale or use equipment or devices that would change tap water or bottled water into "alkaline" or "oxygenated" water will be substantiated through valid clinical trials.
According to FDA, it is a violation of the Republic Act 9711, otherwise known as the FDA Act of 2009, to sell or offer for sale or use purification devices that allegedly produce water known as "alkaline water" or "oxygenated water" and make therapeutic claims without a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR).
Vendo-type outlets or refilling stations, and those engaged in the manufacture, importation and distribution of water with therapeutic claims "shall secure a License to Operate (LTO) from FDA before applying for CPR," it added.
The FDA warns all companies engaged in the business of supplying drinking waters in containers with specific claims to secure LTO from FDA and apply for a CPR.
All local government units and law enforcement agencies are also requested to ensure that this kind of products are not sold or made available in localities or areas of jurisdiction.
The FDA Act of 2009 prohibits the selling, offering for sale, distribution, advertisement, and promotion, among other marketing and advertisement activities, of unregistered health products.