CPPD and FDA seize illegal herbal medicines

BANGKOK (NNT) - Illegal herbal pills and medical tools claimed to cure Covid-19 have been seized regularly since last year. In order to check if they are standardized, we can check via FDA application.

The Consumer Protection Police Division and Food and Drug Administration seized illegal medical items including smuggled herbal medicines, PPE suits, and finger oximeters which were also below the FDA standard. Those who violate the Medical Device Act will be prosecuted with not over two years sentence or not over 200,000 baht fine or both, if guilty.

Meanwhile, punishment of those who violate the Cosmetics Product Act covering hand sanitizers and other such items will be charged, with a sentence of not over 6 months, or a fine not over 50,000 baht or both, if found guilty.

According to Pharmacist Supattra Boonserm, acting Deputy Secretary-General of the FDA, said today the seized products were below standard and not certified by the FDA. People who buy these items may suffer from their negative effects rather than being cured.

Pharmacist Supattra suggested that before purchasing any medical items, people should check the items’ FDA code with the FDA application and see if they are certified. Meanwhile, certified oximeter brands can be checked via FDA facebook and on the website.