FDA holds nationwide compliance checks to protect consumers

MANILA – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday conducted coordinated compliance verification visits to major retail establishments nationwide as part of its continuing efforts to protect consumers and ensure transparency in the sale of health products.

The simultaneous activities covered selected establishments in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao through the FDA Field Regulatory Operations Office and its Regional Enforcement Units. 

FDA Director General Paolo Teston joined the verification visits at S&R Membership Shopping and Landers Superstore in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, to underscore the agency’s active regulatory presence and oversight.

During the visits, FDA inspectors checked product registration, labeling accuracy, storage conditions, and the traceability of various consumer health products on display. 

The activity aimed to reassure the public that products circulating in the market meet safety and quality standards set by the agency.

Teston and the inspection teams also utilized the FDA’s newly enhanced Verification Portal to validate product registration status in real time, demonstrating the integration of digital tools in field operations to strengthen consumer protection and improve verification efficiency.

The FDA clarified that no enforcement or seizure activities were undertaken, as the visits were coordinated compliance checks intended to promote transparency and boost public confidence.

Initial findings showed that several products were verified to be compliant, while some items were flagged for further assessment after they did not appear in the Verification Portal during on-site checks.

“Some inspections are coordinated to show compliance and assure the public, while others, particularly in markets, warehouses, and suspected distribution points, are conducted unannounced to support enforcement and case-building against illegal products,” Teston said. 

“Both types of inspections are essential to protect public health." 

The FDA reiterated that all consumer health products must be registered, properly labeled, and fully traceable at all times. 

Teston warned that establishments found selling unregistered, misbranded, expired, or otherwise non-compliant products would face regulatory action, including product seizure, suspension or closure of operations, and prosecution under existing laws.

He emphasized that enforcement would be applied equally to all retailers.

“Malaki man o maliit ang tindahan, pare-pareho ang pamantayan. Walang diskrimination pagdating sa compliance (Whether the store is big or small, the standards are the same. There is no discrimination when it comes to compliance),” Teston said.

Based on the nationwide verification activities, about 500 consumer health products were flagged for further review due to registration, labeling, or documentation concerns. 

Once confirmed to be unregistered or non-compliant, the FDA said, appropriate regulatory action, including inventory and seizure, would be undertaken as warranted.

The FDA encouraged consumers to purchase only FDA-registered products, verify items through the FDA Verification Portal, and report suspicious products through official FDA channels, as it continues to safeguard public health through sustained field presence, firm enforcement, and transparent regulation nationwide. (PNA)