The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday, Dec. 1, raised alarms over the purchase and use of 12 unregistered “food products” that have not undergone the rigorous evaluation process.
The flagged food items deemed "not considered safe" by the FDA include "Crown Food Product In Red Packaging (In Foreign Language)," "Honai Pritos Ring Golden Crisp Snacks," "(Brand Name In Foreign Language) Mini Cookie Biscuit," "Eat Kobayashi Potato Chips Barbecue Flavor," "Batata Jelly Orange Flavor Jelly," "East Bali Cashews Chili Lime Cashew Snack (Sweet & Spicy With Coconut Chips & Lime)," "Konu Dessert Cone Snacks–Cookies & Cream," "Konu Dessert Cone Snacks–Matcha," "Cecilia Nata De Coco–Green," "On The Go Fusion Snack Edamame & Goji Berry Fusion," "4C Tamis Anghang Ginisang Alamang," and "Special Dried Miki."
The FDA, employing online monitoring and post-marketing surveillance, confirmed that these food products lack proper registration. There was also no corresponding Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) issued.
Under Republic Act No. 9711, also known as the "Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009," the agency emphasized that the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer, non-consumer use, promotion, advertising, or sponsorship of health products without the proper authorization is strictly prohibited.
Given that these food products bypassed the evaluation process, the FDA stated it cannot guarantee their quality and safety.
The agency has warned all concerned establishments sternly, urging them not to distribute, advertise, or sell these "violative food products" until they secure the required Product Notification Certificate.
FDA added that consumers should also exercise caution and refrain from purchasing or consuming these unregistered items.