MANILA, Philippines?(UPDATE) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said Wednesday it had banned nine more apparently Chinese-made cosmetic products because they were found to contain dangerous levels of mercury.

The government regulatory agency tests of the facial creams, seven advertised as cure for freckles and two others as "skin-whitening," prompted the latest advisory.

"Collected on separate occasions at various establishments, (they) contain heavy metal (mercury) exceeding the allowable limit of one part per million," the advisory said.

The FDA issued a similar warning two weeks ago for three other creams, all bearing the Jiao Li brand.

Bureau director Nazarita Tacandong said on Wednesday four of the nine other creams bore the same Jiao Li brand. The others were Xin Jiao Li, Jiao Liang, Xin Jiao Liang, Jiao Mei, and Jiao Yan.

They were imported without government authority, she said, and ordered them seized. She also warned shops stocking these products that they faced criminal prosecution.

Tacandong previously said the Jiao Li creams were apparently manufactured in China. She could not be reached for comment Wednesday, and the bureau did not say where the other brands were manufactured.

Many Filipinos go to great lengths to make their skin appear lighter than its natural brown, believing this would make them more attractive.

In another advisory, BFAD acting director Nazarita Tacandong warned the public ?not to buy or use? two fat loss products?Zhen De Shou Fat Loss Capsule? and Zhen De Shou Fat Loss Tea.

?(BFAD) laboratory examinations show that samples (of the two products) contain ... amphetamine and sibutramine, or steroids, either singly or in combination with each other. Consumers can be put on imminent danger or injury when using such products,? she said.

Earlier, BFAD ordered a recall of all Hydroxycut weight-loss products from the local market due to health concerns.

The US Food and Drug Administration had earlier recalled these products from the American market due to reported cases of serious liver problems, such as jaundice and elevated liver enzymes.

Manufactured by Iovate Health Sciences of Oakville, Ontario in Canada, Hydroxycut contains a variety of ingredients and herbal extracts. It was registered with BFAD as a food supplement.

BFAD has sought the assistance of local government units nationwide in ?reporting all outlets found selling these products? and law enforcement agencies in ?apprehending and filing the appropriate criminal action against these business establishments.? Jerry E. Esplanada, Philippine Daily Inquirer