The Food and Drug Administration issued a nationwide warning to retailers Friday, stressing that those found selling unregistered, misbranded, expired or otherwise noncompliant food and health products will face swift sanctions.
The warning accompanied coordinated compliance verification visits to major retail establishments across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The inspections were conducted through the agency’s Field Regulatory Operations Office and Regional Enforcement Units.
FDA director general Paolo Teston joined verification visits at S&R Membership Shopping and Landers Superstore in Bonifacio Global City to demonstrate regulatory oversight at major retail outlets.
“Some inspections are coordinated to show compliance and assure the public, while others—particularly in markets, warehouses and suspected distribution points—are conducted unannounced to support enforcement and case-building against illegal products,” Teston said. “Both types of inspections are essential to protect public health.”
Teston emphasized that compliance with FDA regulations is mandatory for all establishments. “All food and health products must be FDA-registered, properly labeled and fully traceable at all times,” he said.
He warned that violations will be met with firm penalties, including product seizures, suspension or closure of operations, and formal prosecution.
“The FDA will actively monitor compliance across all retailers—large or small, local or national—and we will not hesitate to take strong action against any establishment that endangers public health,” he said. “Compliance is mandatory, and failure to follow the law will have immediate consequences.”
