MANILA, Philippines--The Bureau Of Food and Drugs (BFAD) has ordered the immediate withdrawal of certain batches of whitening skin and anti-aging drugs containing glutathione from the market following test results that showed the products lacked the right amount of active ingredients.

In an advisory posted on the BFAD website on Friday, BFAD Director Leticia-Barbara Gutierrez identified the recalled brands as Glutalife Dietary Supplement, Lucida-DS and Vaniderm Dietary Supplement.

"In the interest of public welfare and public protection from deceptive sales and practices, the Department of Health-BFAD warns and advises all concerned that it has directed the importers/distributors to immediately recall from the Philippine market the specified batch/lot of (these) products," she said.

The BFAD identified the product batches as Glutalife with Batch No. 20078019; Lucida-DS with Lot No. 168015L, and Vaniderm with Lot No. 168015V.

The batches, according to BFAD, contained "less than the amount of glutathione they purport to posses." As such, concerned parties are prohibited from selling and distributing the identified batches, the agency said.

Glutathione is an enzyme found in plants and animals. The compound is an anti-oxidant and helps the body defend itself against cellular damage.

Gutierrez also encouraged importers and distributors of the product to submit samples to the BFAD if they are concerned about the amount of active ingredients in the products.