FDA warns vs. fake Safeguard soaps

The Commissioner addressed the public to beware of the difference between legitimate and fake products. (Photo: Bureau of Customs PH/Facebook)

MANILA— The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning the public against purchasing and using counterfeit Safeguard Family Germ Protection Pure White 60-g. soap bars that are proliferating in the local market.

In its Advisory No. 2017-291, the FDA said the fake Safeguard soaps could be identified through Batch/Lot number 50282043841 170618.

The agency said it had coordinated with the Market Authorization Holder (MAH) and Procter & Gamble Philippines Inc. in verifying the counterfeit Safeguard product.

The FDA advised consumers to make sure that they only purchase the product from trusted supermarkets and retailers, noting that using counterfeit cosmetic products poses health hazards since their safety and quality have not been assessed.

“The dangers/hazards of using counterfeit cosmetic products may come from ingredients that are not allowed to be part of a cosmetic product or from the contamination of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, which may result in adverse reactions, including but not limited to skin sensitization, skin irritation, anaphylactic shock, and organ failure,” warned the agency.