FDA shuts down outlets peddling unregistered cosmetics in the Philippines

According to a statement, the outlets were owned by Misumi Direct Sales, a local cosmetics distribution company.

Two of its outlets in Antipolo City and Davao City were shuttered following a raid by the FDA.

Unlicensed to sell​

The Davao City branch was shuttered after it failed to produce a valid license to operate (LTO) to the FDA.

It was also found to also be selling the unregistered skin whitening product, Bihaku Aha Blue Booster with Blueberry Fruit Extract.

The FDA seized ‎P220,560 (US$4,226) worth of cosmetics from the Antipolo branch, including Bihaku Whitening Lotion with SPF60, Bihaku Aha Blue Booster with Blueberry Fruit Extract and Seoul Beauty Pore-Feet Powder Infuse with Snail SPF45.

The government agency moved on the company after conducting surveillance and test-buys at both Misumi outlets.

“The seized unregistered health products from Misumi Direct Sales have not gone through the verification process of the FDA, and the agency cannot guarantee their quality, efficacy, and safety. The use of such products may pose potential health hazards to the consuming public,”​ said Puno.

According to FDA Director General Nela Charade G. Puno, the company may face sanctions and closure if found guilty of violating the rules and regulations issued by the FDA.

As of the date of publication, Misumi was still distributing Bihaku branded products on its online site that range from P100 ($2.60) to P500 ($13

Business was warned​

According to Puno, the products seized were among the 34 potentially hazardous cosmetic products listed on a FDA public advisory issued last May.

The public advisory warned businesses not to distribute the products.

It also requested government and law enforcement units to ensure the products were not being distributed in their respective regions.

Puno added that tainted cosmetics present potential hazards from toxic substances such as mercury that could result in adverse reactions from skin irritate to organ failure.

New charges ​

This is not the first time Misumi has gotten into trouble with the law.

Last month, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confiscated at about P60,000 ($1,149) worth of counterfeit Shuya sanitary products from its Antipolo City branch.

NBI conducted the raid after receiving being alerted by the distributor of Shuya products.

For this offence, Miranda was charged with violation of the Intellectual Property law.

If found guilty, she faces the penalty of two to five years imprisonment and could be fined anywhere from P50,000 (US$1,300) to P200,000 (US$3,830).