THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned major online selling platforms Shopee Philippines and Lazada Philippines, against selling health products without the requisite license to do so.
The FDA issued Advisory 2019-154 dated June 11, giving the public a warning regarding the significant risks associated with the growth of the Internet sales medicines.
In line with this, the FDA strengthened the enforcement of its rules on the online selling of health products.
“The FDA, through the Regulatory Enforcement Unit, served and implemented Summons with Preventive Measure Order (SPMO) directing Shopee Philippines and Lazada Philippines under pain of direct or indirect contempt and/or other administrative sanctions, to immediately cease and desist from further online selling and offering for sale drug products until it has secured the appropriate License to Operate [LTO] from the FDA,” the agency said.
“The continuous online selling of any of these drug products will place the lives of the general public in danger and at risk,” it added.
Likewise, the FDA assured the public of the continued implementation and monitoring of an effective drug regulatory system responsive to the country’s health needs and problems. “The FDA warns the public to exercise extreme caution and to avoid purchasing/consuming health products offered for sale online,” it said.
To report continuous unauthorized sale or distribution of drug products, the FDA encouraged the public to e-mail the information to report@fda.gov.ph or through the online reporting facility, eREPORT, at www.fda.gov.ph/ereport. They may also call the Center for Drug Regulation and Research at telephone number (02) 809-5596.