FDA to review workout supplements, energy drinks amid Kiefer suspension

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Nela Charade  Puno ordered Wednesday a full review of all workout and energy drinks in the market after the suspension of Gilas Pilipinas player Kiefer Ravena.

"I will immediately direct a thorough review of these products to protect the health and fitness conscious public," Puno said in a statement. “The FDA will appreciate the help and cooperation of Kiefer Ravena on this."

Under Republic Act 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, the FDA is mandated to "ensure the safety, efficacy, purity, and quality of food products, medicines, cosmetics and medical devices."

FIBA suspended Ravena for 18 months —from February 25, 2018 to August 24, 2019— after he tested positive for "prohibited substances" found in an over-the-counter mixed drink he consumed prior to a game of the national team in February.

The player insisted that he took a drink named DUST, which contained the three banned substances for which Ravena tested positive, because his usual supplement C4 was unavailable.

FIBA pared down Ravena's suspension from years to 18 months as its officials believed Ravena "was not well equipped to make the right, informed decision" to distinguish between the effects of C4 and DUST. —NB, GMA News