FDA warns public vs. buying 'misbranded' face masks

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned healthcare professionals and the public against buying and using misbranded face mask products.

FDA Director General and Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo on Thursday told GMA News Online that English and Filipino are the only language allowed to be used in labeling products in the country.

“Bawal sa Pilipinas ang branding na hindi English or Filipino,” he said in a message.

The Philippine government has imposed a mandatory wearing of face masks on its citizens to curb the COVID-19 transmission.

In an advisory posted on Wednesday, FDA identified the misbranded face masks that are labeled in foreign characters as:

• Misbranded Fu Le Bang Disposable Mask in foreign characters
• Misbaranded Flag World Face Mask in foreign characters
• Misbranded Mask in foreign characters

Under the FDA Act of 2009, a device is considered misbranded if any word, statement, or other information required is not understandable to consumers.

The FDA said its manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer, non-consumer use, promotion, advertising, or sponsorship is prohibited under the act.

With the help of law enforcement agencies and local government units, FDA Regional Field Offices and Regulatory Enforcement Units will ensure that these face masks are not sold in the market.

The FDA also urged the Bureau of Customs to restrain the entry of such products. —KBK, GMA News