FDA warns public vs. ‘Jinga Juice’ social media ads

Health authorities warned the public against what they called false and deceptive ads of a food supplement on social media and the Internet.

The Food and Drug Administration said the product, "My Jinga Juice," made several unsubstantiated health claims suggesting it is suitable for various conditions.

"No food supplement shall have any health claims unless substantiated by a well-designed clinical trial and shall be registered as a drug and not as a food supplement," FDA OIC Nicolas Lutero III said.

He added the public must be informed that FDA-approved food supplements "shall not in any way cure any symptoms or disease conditions."

Lutero said the case is now "under investigation," as he added FDA Memorandum Circular 2013-030 bars the use of the FDA logo or the agency's initials to suggest "approval, endorsement or authorization" of a product, "unless with written permission from the agency."

He said those seeking information may email the FDA at info@fda.gov.ph, or report similar claims of unregistered health products or establishments may email the FDA at report@fda.gov.ph.

Sought for comment, a representative of Jinga Juice said the company would release a statement to address the issue. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News