FDA launches TWG to develop, apply guidelines on seized health products

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a technical working group (TWG) that would develop and implement guidelines on the handling, storage, or disposal of seized health products.

According to the FDA, the TWG is called “Oplan Katharos,” from the Greek word for pure, and was created in April.

“’Oplan Katharos’ is designed to align with national and international environmental conservation and recovery standards, demonstrating our commitment to these principles,” the FDA said in its release on Friday.

The TWG will monitor fake and counterfeit medicines and other health products in drugstores, as well as those sold on online platforms, the agency said.

The FDA said it is “resolutely enforcing its regulatory obligations to protect public health from imminent harm posed by violative health products in the market.”

Furthermore, the agency also asked the public to buy only registered health products from establishments that have a license to operate.

“The public is advised to buy registered/notified health products only from establishments operating with valid License to Operate from the FDA,” it added.

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