FDA warns public vs ‘anti-virus’ lanyard

THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday warned the public against the use of products claiming to be effective in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

One is a product called Virus Shut Out, a lanyard or a necklace with sodium hydrochloride or a compound used to disinfect water. “Nag- research po tayo, wala pa po kasing kahit anong FDA counterpart sa buong mundo na nag- approve nitong mga ito at wala po tayong makitang ebidensya prevent po talaga siyang transmission ng mga virus (We researched about it and no other country has approved it, and we do not have evidence that this will prevent virus transmission),” FDA Director General Eric Domingo told radio DZMM.

He said it was scary to think that the person wearing the lanyard might not wear a mask and instead of helping, it might even prove to be detrimental to one’s health.

People who sell unregistered products face penalties under Republic Act 9711 or the “FDA Act.”

The product is being sold online through shopping apps and social media.

Despite the absence of an FDA approval, a pack of Virus Shut Out is sold for a few hundred pesos on two of the country’s largest shopping apps.

Meanwhile, Domingo said manufacturers of products claiming to cure or prevent the coronavirus should provide scientific data to prove efficacy.

He added that the FDA had written to these manufacturers asking for scientific data proving that their products can minimize exposure to the virus. He said not one had submitted proof.

The FDA issued the warning after the United States’ cracked down on bogus products being marketed to the public who seek protection against the virus.

Reports said US custom officials had seized thousands of the unregistered lanyards, as well as tablets and herbal medicines.