FDA warns public against use of counterfeit cosmetic mask

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the public against mineral clay mask marketed as Pond's D-Toxx Treatment, as such products have been found counterfeit.

In an advisory released on Monday, June 3, the FDA warned against the use and purchase of Pond's Pure White Mineral Clay Mask D-Toxx Treatment.

"FDA, in coordination with the Market Authorization Holder (MAH), Unilever Philippines Inc., has verified that the aforementioned cosmetic product is counterfeit," the advisory read.

According to the FDA, its packaging does not indicate pertinent details such as the local company name, as well as the address of the local company. The country of manufacture is also labeled in a different language.

Prior to the distribution of all imported cosmetic products in the local market, product labels are supposed to be revised to be compliant to FDA and ASEAN cosmetic labeling requirements.

"Counterfeit products, not having gone through the required safety assessment and the verification process of the FDA, pose potential health hazards to the consuming public since their safety and purity cannot be guaranteed," the FDA said.

"The use of substandard and possibly adulterated cosmetic products may result to adverse reactions including but not limited to skin irritation, itchiness, anaphylactic shock, and organ failure," it added.

Sought for more information, FDA officer-in-charge Eric Domingo said that such products are already being seized by the agency once they are reported.

"If products are counterfeit or unregistered, they are seized when reported," he said in a text message.

In line with the latest development, the FDA has requested all local government units (LGUs) and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) that the product is not sold or made available in their localities or areas of jurisdiction.

"All concerned establishments are warned not to distribute the above-identified violative cosmetic product, otherwise, regulatory actions and sanctions shall be strictly pursued," it said. —NB, GMA News