FDA issues warning on chili-laced food supplements

MANILA, Philippines - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday cautioned the public against consumption of food and dietary supplements with supposed therapeutic qualities.

The FDA issued the warning after the discovery of unregistered food and dietary supplements containing cayenne or chili powder. But the agency did not name the products in its advisory.

“Upon closer inspection, (one of the) products was found to be an appetite suppressant and fat metabolizer,” the FDA said, adding that the product’s therapeutic claim was not substantiated by clinical trial to establish its safety and efficacy.

The FDA also said that the product was manufactured by a food supplement corporation but licensed as a food manufacturer. It is being distributed by a cosmetic company and available on the Internet.

The FDA noted that food and dietary supplements are processed food in the form of capsules, tablets, liquids, gel, powder or pills which are merely intended to increase total daily food energy or nutrients intake.

“Food and dietary supplements are not meant to replace prescribed medicines, especially those to be taken as maintenance drugs,” the agency added.

The FDA also expressed serious concern over food and dietary supplements being advertised in a way that misled consumers into thinking these products can cure certain medical conditions.

The agency said “often food and dietary supplements are being advertised as agents than can cure people who are suffering from cancer, meningitis, diabetes, hypertension among other diseases and disorders... (but) food and dietary supplement products should have no indication to treat or cure any type of medical condition.”

The FDA strongly advised the public to consult doctors before taking dietary supplements.

It also reminded the public that all food and dietary supplements must be regulated by the Center for Food Regulation and Research and that all FDA registered products have certificates of product registration.

The phrases “food supplement” and “No approved therapeutic claim,” the name of manufacturer, and the expiration date must also be printed on the label of dietary supplements.