2 cosmetics firm branches selling unregistered goods padlocked

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agents simultaneously raided two branches of a cosmetics distribution company — one in Antipolo and another in Davao City — for selling unregistered beauty and skin-whitening products.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the FDA identified the company as Misumi Direct Sales, which is owned by a certain Donnah Mae Martinez-Miranda.

According to FDA Director General Nela Charade G. Puno, the company may face administrative sanctions and even closure if found guilty of violating rules and regulations on FDA-issued license to operate (LTO) and certificate of product registration (CPR).

Puno ordered the branch in Matina, Davao City padlocked for failing to present a valid LTO. The branch was also found to be selling an unregistered skin-whitening product called Bihaku Aha Blue Booster with Blueberry Fruit Extract 50 ml.

ln the Antipolo raid, FDA agents seized P220,560 worth of unregistered Bihaku Whitening Lotion with SPF 60 200 ml, Bihaku Aha Blue Booster with Blueberry Fruit Extract 50ml, and Seoul Beauty Pore-Feet Powder Infuse with Snail SPF45 30ml.

Before the raid, FDA agents conducted surveillance and test-buys at the two branches — specifically at the Okinari Building at 25 Maya Avenue, Marville Park Subdivision, San Roque, Antipolo City and the Unit 11 at the second floor of the Bastland Building on McArthur Highway corner Topaz Street in Matina, Davao City.

According to Puno, the seized products are part of the 34 unregistered and potentially hazardous cosmetic products that are subject of an FDA public advisory — No. 2018-167 — issued on May 3, 2018.

In the public advisory, all concerned establishments were warned not to distribute or sell the products.

All local government units and law enforcement agencies were also requested to ensure that the products would not be sold in their localities or areas of jurisdiction.

Under the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, or Republic Act No. 9711, no person or establishment may manufacture, import or export, distribute, sell, promote or advertise, or sponsor health products without proper authorization from FDA.

“Accordingly, the seized unregistered health products from Misumi Direct Sales have not gone through the verification process of the FDA, and the agency cannot guarantee their quality, efficacy, and safety. The use of such violative products may pose potential health hazards to the consuming public,” Puno said.

According to her, the potential hazards in cosmetics come from heavy metal ingredients, such as mercury, that may cause adverse reactions such as skin irritation, itchiness, anaphylactic shock, and organ failure. /atm