How can we avoid purchase of unregistered products?

Consumers are advised to verify the existence of the License to Operate (LTO) of the establishment/outlet which should be conspicuously displayed and the existence of the applicable BFAD Product Registration Number on the label of the products intended to be bought. The absence of such information is indicative of possible illegal source/product.

Furthermore, consumers must ask for receipts of payment of purchased products reflecting the business name and address, Tax Identification Number (TIN), and name of printer (BIR Permit No.) with inclusive serial number of booklets and date of issuance of receipts and the description of the goods bought.

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How do we apply for a permit from BFAD so we can hand carry or mail products for personal consumption abroad?

Consumers may go directly to the BFAD Policy, Planning, and Advocacy Division - Public Assistance and Compliance Division (PPAD-PAICS), Room 101. They are advised to bring for verification product samples and the doctor’s prescription for prescription drug products.

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How do we know if a certain product is registered with BFAD?

For product registration verification, consumers may contact the Policy, Planning, and Advocacy Division at telephone number 8425606. Consumers are advised to provide details such as the complete product name, registration number, and name of manufacturer or distributor.

[Note: BFAD assigns unique registration numbers for processed food (FR-#), drug (DR-#, BR-#, VR-#, HMR-#, HDL-#), medical device (DVR-#), diagnostic reagent (RR-#), cosmetic (CR-#, CL-#), and household hazardous products (HHR-#). This registration number must be indicated on the label or packaging of products except for some food products.]

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How does BFAD inform/update the public on pertinent issues related to food, drugs, and cosmetics?

BFAD issues Advisories which may be downloaded from the website (http://www.bfad.gov.ph/advisory.htm). These are also published in two newspapers of general circulation.

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How does BFAD process consumer complaints?

Consumers are advised to coordinate with the nearest Department of Health Center for Health Development (CHD) for product complaints. If the Acting Consumer Arbitration Officers deem it fit that the complained product needs laboratory analysis, the product will be forwarded to the BFAD Laboratory Services Division.

Contact details of the CHDs may be downloaded from the BFAD Website thru: http://www.bfad.gov.ph/DIRECTORY GUIDE.htm.

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