As more and more consumers purchase cosmetics in the run up to Christmas, the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against buying personal care goods such as imported shampoo, toothpaste, hair dye, and facial creams.

In an advisory the Philippines FDA has warned that many products haven’t been through mandatory registration and evaluation with the government agency to assess their quality and safety.

Health Secretary Janette Garin said in an advisory, “All consumers are advised to buy cosmetic products that have FDA market authorization and only from legitimate outlets.
“All establishments and outlets are hereby warned against selling the identified products. Anyone found selling these products will be penalized.”

Unregistered products have been recognized as Tesco Revitalising Shampoo Tea Tree and Mint and Tesco My Senses Shampoo Miracle Moisture, White Glo Extra Strength Whitening Toothpaste Smokers Formula and White Glo Extra Strength Whitening Toothpaste Coffee and Tea Drinkers, L’Oreal BB Cream, PS Hair Colorant from Guangzhou, China; Active-care Green Tea and Verdon Series Hair Colorant.

The FDA has put Bureau of Customs on high alert to keep an eye out for any attempts to smuggle in unregistered and toxic health products and has also given out the website www.fda.gov.ph for consumers to check for approved products.