Concerns raised on food supplements

CEBU, Philippines - The Medicines Transparency Alliance (MeTA) Council-Philippines expressed its concern about false and misleading claims made about the efficacy and value of food and dietary supplements currently being sold in the market.

“While these preparations may provide certain benefits, they cannot substitute for medicines of proven efficacy and safety in the treatment of illnesses. Misleading health information harms health and wastes resources,” said MeTA, a multi-stakeholder organization concerned with improving access to quality healthcare by promoting transparency and accountability.

The organization in a press statement likewise fully supports the recent initiatives undertaken by the Department of Health to protect the right of consumers to accurate information about the products they buy.

MeTA said that this move is consistent with their advocacy for transparency and disclosure contending that it is only by empowering consumers through education that they are able to make sound and informed choices. 

The group also believes that DOH Administrative Order No. 2010-2008 which requires that all labels and marketing materials for food/dietary supplements carry the phrase “Mahalagang paalala: Ang (name of brand) ay hindi gamot at hindi dapat gamiting panggamot sa anumang uri ng sakit,” is a timely response to growing concerns about misleading advertisements on the value of these products. 

In addition, MeTA commends the DOH and the Food and Drug Administration for their firm resolve to regulate the dissemination of information which will deceive or mislead the public.

“We acknowledge the primacy of public health concerns and the welfare of consumers over pure commercial gain and profits. We join other sectors in calling for truth in advertising and ethical marketing to prevent poor health outcomes for a public misled by false information leading to inappropriate product use,” the group’s statement further reads. — THE FREEMAN