7 stores raided; unregistered goods seized
THE Food and Drugs Authority in Davao Region (FDA-11) seized unregistered household and health products amounting to over P200,000 from seven general merchandising stores in Davao City.
“Ginagawa natin ito upang masiguro rin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga mamimili,” FDA regulatory enforcement unit officer lawyer Guillermo Danipaog Jr. said in an interview during a raid along F. Bangoy St. in Agdao District, Davao City Tuesday, September 4.
Danipaog said the FDA conducted the operation under the seizure order of unregistered health products like Fluocinonide ointment for allergies sold at P10/250 milligrams(mg), Truong Tho Hot medicated oil at P30/10 ml bottle, Dau Nong Truong Son oil at P30/10ml bottle, LS BL cream at P23/10g bottle, and Wilmamagson liniment herbal oil sold at P35/25ml.
FDA also prohibits the selling of unregistered house products like Big Bie Pai aerosol insecticide sold at P75/750ml can, Baolilai aerosol insecticide at P75/750ml can and Baoma Mosquito Black mosquito repellant coil at P10/box.
“Katulad ng mosquito repellent na ito, since last year may advisory na ang FDA na ipinagbabawal ito dahil may research nagawa na may masamang chemical content ito na nakakasama sa kalusugan natin,” Danipaog said.
He added harmful chemical contents like lead and mercury are allegedly found based on research in cosmetic products which were prohibited under the FDA list.
“Ang balita namin may nagma-manufacture daw dito sa Mindanao, minsan nga eh dumarating na sa Maynila pero nabago na ang packaging ng mga produkto,” he said, adding that most of the products still come from China.
He also said warning sanctions were already given to seven establishments along Ramon Magsaysay Avenue and C. Bangoy Street caught selling the prohibited products. Criminal cases and establishment closure with P1 million fine might be imposed against these establishments if the offense will be done again.
“They can also go to jail for one to 10 years under violation of Republic Act 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009,” Danipaog added.