CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda on Monday issued a strong warning to the public to exercise extra caution when buying vitamins or other products sold at unusually low prices, as these may be counterfeit.
This, in the wake of the recent raid by the National Bureau of Investigation-Central Luzon on an illegal vitamin manufacturing facility in Arayat town that, authorities said, had been producing and selling fake children’s vitamins for over 20 years.
The NBI discovered the illegal facility used unsanitary methods, including mixing ingredients in a washing machine, to produce unregistered vitamin C syrup.
Pineda urged parents to remain vigilant and only purchase FDA-approved vitamins to safeguard their children’s health.
“Kaya ‘yung mga ‘di approved ng FDA, mag-iingat po tayo. H’wag po tayo basta bili nang bili. Hindi basta mura, maniniwala tayo. Basahin muna natin kung FDA-approved,” the governor said.
He also called on barangay officials to monitor their areas to prevent similar illegal activities. “To all barangay officials, please check your barangays kung may mga nagpo-produce ng mga ganito. Unang maaapektuhan nito ang mga kababayan natin, mga Kapampangan. Kaya sana po maging aware tayo sa mga ganito.”
Authorities reported that approximately ₱400,000 worth of unregistered products were seized, and the factory owner has been arrested and will face charges. Jasmine Jaso/GO-Pampanga
