Strict monitoring of illegal toys, beauty products urged

THE city government of Davao is urged to intensify monitoring and inspections in malls and establishments of illegally-sold toys and beauty products through a creation of a city ordinance.

In an interview with EcoWaste Coalition (EWC) national chemical safety campaigner Tony Dizon, he said there is a lack of enforcement in tracking down both small and big stores that are selling items not accreditted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"We have to control, or possibly stop, the entry of these illegal products as they harm our health in a very silent way as compared to drugs that have absolute effects," he said.

Through the creation of an ordinance that strictly monitors the selling of illegal products, Dizon said, the local government of Davao, specifically the Davao City Business Bureau (DCBB), will have to be systematic in issuing business permits to various businessmen, urging them to submit complete documents especially the manufacturer's accreditation paper.

Applicants who cannot comply shall not be given business permits.

EWC also also urged DCBB to promptly conduct inspections on the products to determine whether they are FDA certified and can be legally

sold in the market before approving their business permits.

"There should also be a strict enforcement by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in port areas as water-shipped products first arrive at their hands," Dizon said.

All these efforts, he added, is in line with their advocacy to keep the public safe from using illegal items coming from other countries.

He said EWC is currently conducting a study in all establishments in the city against the selling of illegal toys and beauty products. The results will be published on their website during the first week of October. BSC