Question & AnswerQ&A (LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 1223)
The Minister of Health is authorized to order the seizure and condemnation of any adulterated, counterfeited, or misbranded food, drug, device, or cosmetic introduced into domestic commerce.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is mandated under R.A. 3720 to administer and supervise its implementation.
Members of the Philippine Constabulary selected by the Chief of Constabulary may arrest any person directly or indirectly involved in the sale, distribution, manufacture, or offering for sale of adulterated, misbranded, counterfeited, or expired food, drug, or device.
All products must carry compulsory ingredient labeling requirements including but not limited to lot or batch number and expiry dates.
The Minister of Health, upon recommendation of the Food and Drug Administrator, is empowered to cause the closure of any food, drug, and cosmetic establishment found to have violated the provisions of R.A. 3720 and its implementing rules and regulations.
The Minister of National Defense, through appropriate agencies of the Ministry, is responsible for enforcing these orders issued by the Minister of Health.
The Minister of Justice is directed to institute legal proceedings against persons accused of violations of this Letter of Instructions and ensure that the maximum penalty is imposed against those found guilty.
Such articles shall be liable to seizure and condemnation upon order of the Minister of Health.
The policy is to insure a good quality supply of food, drugs, and cosmetics to protect the health of the people.
The Food and Drug Administrator recommends to the Minister of Health the closure of establishments violating R.A. 3720 and its implementing rules and regulations.