The Department of Health (DOH) has warned the public against fake accounts using its name, stressing that it does not endorse any commercial products.

“Mag-ingat sa fake DOH accounts: Hindi nag-eendorso ng mga komersyal na produkto ang DOH (Beware of fake DOH accounts: The DOH does not endorse commercial products),” the agency said in its September 10 advisory.

The DOH said websites, social media pages, and individuals pretending to be its officials have been promoting dietary supplements and other items online.

“Nanatiling neutral ang Kagawaran at walang anumang ugnayan sa mga negosyo o komersyal na pag-eendorso (The department remains neutral and has no ties to business or commercial endorsements),” it emphasized.

The warning came after a fake social media page falsely presented itself as a DOH account and promoted a product called “Cholextrol.”

To protect consumers, the agency urged the public to verify products with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Hinihikayat ang publiko na beripikahin muna ang registration ng isang produkto sa FDA sa pamamagitan ng FDA Verification Portal gamit ang FDA registration number o ang pangalan ng produkto (The public is encouraged to verify a product’s registration with the FDA through the FDA Verification Portal using the FDA registration number or the product name),” the health department said.