FDA warns consumers vs misbranded face masks, wants these banned

MANILA, Philippines—The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the public and healthcare professionals against buying and using misbranded face masks with labels in foreign characters.

In an advisory posted on the agency’s Facebook page, FDA director general Dr. Eric Domingo identified the misbranded face masks as:

* Fu Le Bang Disposable Mask

* Flag World Face Mask

* Mask

The FDA said it conducted a post-marketing surveillance which showed that the personal protective equipment (PPE) are being sold locally.

Under the FDA Act of 2009, a device is considered misbranded if any word, statement, or other pieces of information required are not prominently displayed or understood by consumers.

The FDA said the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offer to sell, distribution, transfer, non-consumer use, promotion, advertising, or sponsorship of such products is a criminal offense.

The FDA central office directed its regional field offices and regulatory enforcement units as well as law enforcement agencies to ensure that these face masks are not sold in the market.

The FDA also urged the Bureau of Customs to restrain the entry of such products.

TSB