FDA launches 'improved' online product verification portal

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week launched an "upgraded" virtual verification portal, allowing the public to confirm whether medicines and other products have proper licensing in the country.

In a statement on Saturday, the Department of Health (DOH) said the portal covers a wide range of products, including:

• Food
• Medicines
• Cosmetics
• Establishments selling licensed products

“Ngayon po ay mas madali na tayong makakasigurado kung legit at ligtas ang mga produktong binibili natin dahil sa bagong FDA verification portal," said FDA spokesperson Khay Ann Magundayao-Borlado during a radio broadcast on Saturday.

(We can now easily check if the products we buy are legitimate and safe because of the new FDA verification portal.)

"Sa ganitong paraan po, mas maproprotektahan tayo bilang mamimili dahil alam natin na ang produktong ginagamit natin ay dumaan sa tamang pagsusuri at masisiguradong ligtas at epektibo,” she added.

(This way, we can better protect ourselves as consumers, knowing that the products we use have undergone proper testing and are safe and effective.)

The public can access the portal at verification.fda.gov.ph and search by the name of a product or establishment.

Meanwhile, the DOH warned against the rise of counterfeit drugs being sold on social media.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the improved portal could help combat the circulation of contraband medicines.

“Napakarami po ng produkto talaga at mga gamot na nirerehistro [ng FDA], at marami tayong fake at counterfeit medicines. Pinadali ng FDA Director-General through this new [portal ang pag-check]… I’m glad pinaganda niya. It’s going to be very simple,” he said.

(The FDA is registering so many products and medicines, and we have a lot of fake and counterfeit medicines. The FDA Director-General has made it easier to check through this new portal… I’m glad he improved it. It’s going to be very simple.)

Earlier, FDA Director General Paolo Teston faced questions from senators over the agency’s handling of counterfeit and unregistered health products sold online and in physical stores.

He said that around 3,000 administrative cases are currently being filed with the FDA for violations of RA 9711, or the FDA Act of 2009, and RA 3720, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

However, no arrests have been made so far, as courts have mostly imposed fines.—MCG, GMA Integrated News