NBI & FDA Raid Counterfeit Vitamin C Syrup Facility in Pampanga
VITAMIN C – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raided a counterfeit Vitamin C syrup facility in Pampanga.
Authorities from the NBI and FDA recently conducted a raid on a facility in Arayat, Pampanga, suspected of producing counterfeit bottled vitamin C syrup for children for nearly two decades. The operation came to light after a former employee provided critical intelligence to the NBI Central Luzon Regional Office, leading to the investigation and subsequent raid.
Upon arrival, the NBI and FDA officials discovered the facility was operating under unsanitary conditions. Reports indicate that the facility was mixing ingredients such as sugar, food coloring, and flavoring in a washing machine, raising serious health concerns about the products being manufactured there.
The lack of proper hygiene and regulatory compliance highlights the risks posed to consumers, particularly vulnerable children who rely on these products for their health.
During the operation, authorities confiscated counterfeit vitamin C syrup products valued at nearly PHP 400,000. These products were found to be unregistered and lacked the necessary FDA approval, indicating they were never subjected to the required safety and quality checks. The sale of such unregulated products poses significant dangers to public health, especially considering that parents often rely on vitamin supplements to support their children’s immune systems.
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The successful raid underscores the importance of vigilance in the food and drug sectors, as well as the critical role that whistleblowers play in exposing illegal activities. The authorities are now urging the public to report any suspicious products or establishments that may be operating outside the law.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against counterfeit goods and the need for continued efforts to protect consumers from unsafe and unregulated products. The NBI and FDA are committed to ensuring that public health remains a priority and that those responsible for such illegal operations are held accountable.