Consumers warned: Don’t buy these skin creams

MANILA, Philippines–The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised the public not to buy two unregistered medications imported from Indonesia and China.

In an advisory, the FDA identified the two undocumented products as Balsem Gosok Cap Balsem Merah Betet 17.5g Balm from Indonesia and Fluocinonide+Neomycin Sulfate (Fuchingsung-N) 10g Cream from China. The products are sold as balm for various skin conditions.

“The drug products pose potential danger or injury to the consuming public and the importation, selling or offering for sale of (these products) is in direct violation of Republic Act No. 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009,” said FDA officer in charge Nicolas Lutero III.

Lutero explained that the government required product evaluation, testing and registration measures to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of health products available in the local market.

Look at labels

To avoid serious illness or injury, Lutero advised consumers to buy their medications only from FDA-licensed establishments and to always look for the FDA registration number on the product label. Registered products also indicate in their labels information in English and/or in Filipino, he pointed out.

Field operatives of the FDA have been ordered to seize the unregistered drug products in the market,” said Lutero.

He also urged local government units and the police to help ensure that these products are not sold or offered for sale in their area of jurisdiction.