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Advocates Philippines
FDA Cracks Down On Non-Compliant Products; Retailers Warned Of Swift Penalties
Photo credit: FDA
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a firm nationwide warning to retailers: continue selling unregistered, expired, or misbranded food and health products, and you will face immediate sanctions.
The announcement comes as the agency intensifies its compliance verification visits across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. These inspections—both coordinated and surprise—aim to protect consumers and ensure that products on shelves meet safety and labeling standards.
FDA Director General Atty. Paolo Teston led inspection teams at S&R Membership Shopping and Landers Superstore in Bonifacio Global City, underscoring the agency’s visible presence in 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.”
He stressed that the rules apply to every retailer without exception.
“All food and health products must be FDA-registered, properly labeled, and fully traceable at all times,” he said.
Teston warned that establishments caught selling non-compliant items should expect decisive action.
“Establishments found selling unregistered, misbranded, expired, or otherwise non-compliant products will face swift and decisive regulatory action, including seizure of products, suspension or closure of operations, formal prosecution, and the full penalties provided under the law,” he said.
The FDA chief also assured the public that enforcement will be consistent across the sector.
“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.”
He later added: “Malaki man o maliit ang tindahan, pare-pareho ang pamantayan. Walang diskriminasyon pagdating sa compliance.”
The announcement comes as the agency intensifies its compliance verification visits across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. These inspections—both coordinated and surprise—aim to protect consumers and ensure that products on shelves meet safety and labeling standards.
FDA Director General Atty. Paolo Teston led inspection teams at S&R Membership Shopping and Landers Superstore in Bonifacio Global City, underscoring the agency’s visible presence in 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.”
He stressed that the rules apply to every retailer without exception.
“All food and health products must be FDA-registered, properly labeled, and fully traceable at all times,” he said.
Teston warned that establishments caught selling non-compliant items should expect decisive action.
“Establishments found selling unregistered, misbranded, expired, or otherwise non-compliant products will face swift and decisive regulatory action, including seizure of products, suspension or closure of operations, formal prosecution, and the full penalties provided under the law,” he said.
The FDA chief also assured the public that enforcement will be consistent across the sector.
“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.”
He later added: “Malaki man o maliit ang tindahan, pare-pareho ang pamantayan. Walang diskriminasyon pagdating sa compliance.”
Feb 6, 2026
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