FDA warns Public vs folic acid brand

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning health professionals and the general public against the use of an unregistered brand of folic acid tablets.

In an advisory, the FDA said Puritan’s Pride Premium Folic Acid 400-microgram tablet, manufactured by Puritan’s Pride Inc. in Holbrook, New York, is not registered with the health agency.

“This poses potential danger or injury to the consuming public,” the FDA said.

Folic acid is used as a supplement during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.

The importation, selling or offering for sale of such unregistered product is in violation of Republic Act No. 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, the agency said.

It also warned establishments and outlets against selling the product, saying anyone found selling it would be penalized.

“Purchase medications only from FDA-licensed establishments,” the agency told consumers, adding: “Look for the FDA Registration number on the product label. Be reminded that the drug products registered with FDA Philippines bear in their labels information in English and/or Filipino for all consumers to understand.”

To report the continuous sale or distribution of unregistered health products, send an email to [email protected] or call (02) 807-8275, it said. —TINA G. SANTOS