MANILA – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday reminded consumers anew not to purchase or use health products that have been submerged in floodwaters.
Massive flooding and prolonged power disruptions affected the National Capital Region and nearby regions due to Super Typhoon Carina and enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat.
These left several factories, warehouses, and establishments involved in the manufacturing, processing, packing, or storage of health products – including drugstores and retail outlets– submerged in floods.
In a public advisory, the FDA emphasized that the quality, safety, efficacy, and purity of such health products have already been compromised.
Hence, Department Circular 2012-014 or “Disposition of Flood-Affected Health Products” must be implemented.
“This warns establishment and the public about health products that were submerged or otherwise affected by floods and are now being offered for sale or resale,” it said.
Individuals who may have consumed affected health products are advised to consult their healthcare providers immediately especially if they have become ill.
Drugstores, retail stores and distributors are advised not to offer affected health products for sale, to return them to their sources, and to submit a report to FDA not later than one week.
Concerned food-drug regulation officers are instructed to identify affected establishments and conduct monitoring, and to seize damaged or affected health products. (PNA/ Ma. Teresa Montemayor)