New Philippine FDA to have more control over foods
The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which was brought into being by new legislation enacted by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, replaces the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) as the country’s food and drug safety monitor.
A press release issued by the office of president Macapagal-Arroyo explained that the new agency will have greater regulatory powers than the BFAD and will be able to retain income it generates to help fund its activities.
Philippine health secretary Francisco Duque III said the agency has powers the BFAD had lacked, including the ability to order the ban, recall or withdrawal of “health products that cause or have the potential to cause death, serious illness or injury.” It will also have the power to ban products making deceptive claims.
