THE DISTRIBUTOR OF THE CONTROVERSIAL gluthathione supplements Lucida-DS and Vaniderm said it would not recall its products from stores pending resolution of its appeal before the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD).

In a statement issued Friday, United Shelter Health Products claimed the BFAD tests, which showed that certain batches of its products did not contain the amount of gluthathione as advertised, were inaccurate.

The company said the BFAD test results were not to be trusted.

It said two independent tests showed the supplements contained the right amount of the active ingredient.

According to Nelia Lim, a company representative, Adamson University Technology Research and Development Council (AUTRDC) and the Ateneo-based Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PIPAC) tested their products and found that they did contain 500 mg of gluthathione, the amount indicated on their labels.

Lim said United Shelter filed last week an appeal with BFAD to review its findings.

Until that appeal is resolved, the company will not withdraw its products from the market, she said.

The BFAD recently issued recall orders against certain batches of Lucida-DS and Vaniderm and other gluthathione products after tests showed they contained less gluthathione than advertised.

In the order dated July 7, the health department-attached agency ordered the recall of Glutalife Dietary Supplement (Batch 20078019), Lucida-DS/Gluthatione 500 mg (Lot No. 168015L), and Vaniderm/Dietary Supplement (Lot No. 168015V).

Regardless of whether the company physically withdraws its products or not, the BFAD has also prohibited stores, distributors and importers from selling and distributing the products.