FDA warns vs flood-damaged medicines

Food and Drug Administration official Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the public against buying medicines and drugs being offered at lower prices, as these may have been submerged in floods.

“Following the recent devastation caused by Supertyphoon Carina, extreme flooding and prolonged electrical disruptions have severely impacted Metro Manila and nearby regions,” FDA director general Dr. Samuel Zacate said in FDA Advisory No. 2024-183 dated Aug. 6.

“As a result, numerous factories, warehouses, and establishments involved in the manufacturing, processing, packing, or storage of health products—including drugstores and retail outlets—have been submerged in floodwaters, compromising the quality, safety, efficacy, and purity of their products,” he said.

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The FDA also prohibits drug stores, retail stores, and distributors from selling or distributing health products “already deemed adulterated.” It advised them to return these to their suppliers and to submit a report to the FDA within seven working days.

Persons or establishments dealing in the sale and distribution of affected health products may be reported to the FDA by calling (02) 8857-1900, or through the Department of Health’s regional offices, or the health office of their respective local government unit.

Under the FDA Act of 2019, a person convicted of selling adulterated health products shall be imprisoned for one to 10 years and ordered to pay a fine ranging from P50,000 to P500,000.

Manufacturers, importers, and distributors face five to 10 years in jail and a fine ranging from P500,000 to P5 million.