FB selling of unregistered glutathione products illegal – FDA

Luxxe products / Photo from Luxxe White Enhanced Glutathione facebook page

MANILA — With the rising number of online sellers in social networking sites, the Food and Drug Administration warns the public saying the online sale and promotion of unregistered skin-whitening products is illegal.

Luxxe Whitening and Enhanced Glutathione were specifically identified by FDA head Kenneth Hartigan-Go in an advisory released by FDA.

“Luxxe Whitening, Enhanced Glutathione is neither registered with the FDA as a drug nor as a food supplement,” Hartigan-Go said.

The FDA said that though the products are still not registered with them, its sellers are claiming that it can:

•  remove blemishes, pimples and acne problems.
•  clean internal organs especially the liver.
•  detoxify the body and destroy free radicals that may lead to cancer.
•  protect the cell and is needed by the body.

The FDA, however, said that the selling of the said products is illegal citing Republic Act No. 3720.

“Thus, the FDA declares that such advertisement, promotion and sale is an outright violation of the provisions of Republic Act No. 3720 as amended by Republic Act No. 9711 prohibiting the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer, non-consumer use, promotion, advertisement of any health product which is not registered with the FDA,” he added. 

While manufacturer of the products are claiming that their product is “FDA approved” and it had earned Global Brands and Top Brands award, Hartigan-Go contested that Luxxe Whitening and Enhanced Glutathione ““carries unacceptable claims as food supplement.”

He then urged the public to report other unregistered products by emailing info@fda.gov.ph or by calling 857-1900 local 1051.