Mercury-laced products still being sold online despite DOH-FDA ban

THE group Bantoxics on Wednesday warned consumers against mercury-laced products that are still being sold online despite the push for a worldwide ban in using the hazardous toxic heavy metal.

A member of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the Philippines recently deposited the instrument of ratification of the Minamata Convention, the first really binding treaty to phase out mercury. In doing so, the Philippines became the 123rd country to join the treaty, which is designed to protect human health and the environment against mercury and mercury compounds.

In a news release, Bantoxics said one of its BT Patrollers, Mary Kate San Juan recently conducted another online monitoring for the upcoming 7.7 Mega Sale of online shopping platforms and discovered the violation.

Discovered during the online survey were 26 product listing of mercury-containing sphygmomanometers, six mercury thermometers, and 16 mercury dental amalgam from the online platform Shopee. Meanwhile, the online platform Lazada had 21 product listing of mercury-containing sphygmomanometers, 50 mercury thermometers, and 18 of mercury dental amalgam.

Another revelation is the continued sale of banned mercury-laden skin lightening creams in both online shopping sites despite public health advisories issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), says Bantoxics.

The group cited a World Health Organization Fact Sheets on Mercury and Health, which stated that mercury is considered as one of the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern. Exposure to mercury, even in small amounts, may cause serious health problems.

“The chemical also poses a threat to the development of the child in utero and early stages in life. Mercury may also have toxic effects to the nervous, digestive and immune systems, and on lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes,” Bantoxics warned.

On June 10, 2022, the Department of Health-food and Drug Administration (DOH-FDA) issued FDA Circular No. 2022-003 which bans all mercury-added thermometers, sphygmomanometers, dental amalgam capsules, and liquid mercury for use in dental restorative purposes.

The circular totally prohibits the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, sale, offer for sale, donation, transfer, and where applicable, the use, promotion, advertising, or sponsorship of mercury-added thermometers, sphygmomanometers, dental amalgam capsules, and liquid mercury for use in dental restorative purposes to protect human health from adverse effects of the chemical.

Any establishment found to be in violation of the provisions of this issuance shall be subjected to sanctions and penalties as prescribed under Republic Act 9711, otherwise known as the Food FDA Act of 2009, and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR), the circular stated.

“We are dismayed by the proliferation of illegal mercuryadded products being offered for sale in both Shopee and Lazada shopping sites. It’s about time for these e-commerce sites to comply with the prohibition and regulation issued by the Food and Drug Administration,” Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner at Bantoxics said.

The group further urged the DOH-FDA to conduct post-marketing surveillance for the two biggest online shopping platforms in the country and immediately call their attention to remove all mercuryadded products that are prohibited and restricted.