FDA orders Lazada and Shopee to stop online selling of drug products

June 14, 2019

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday issued an order for Shopee Philippines and Lazada Philippines to stop online selling and offering for sale of drug products.

"The FDA has served and implemented Summons with Preventive Measure Order (SPMO) directing Shopee Philippines and Lazada Philippines, under pain of direct or indirect contempt and/or other administrative sanctions, to immediately cease and desist from further online selling and offering for sale drug products," said the FDA.

It added the order will be in effect until the companies have secured the appropriate license to operate from the FDA.

"Shopee Philippines and Lazada Philippines are strictly mandated to observe compliance," said the FDA.

This comes after the FDA issued Advisory No. 2019-154, which gives the public warning regarding the possible health risks associated with the growth of the internet sales of medicines.

It stressed that online selling of any drug products will place the lives of the general public in danger and at risk.

"The FDA warns the public to exercise extreme caution and to avoid purchasing/consuming health products offered for sale online," reiterated the FDA.

Likewise, the health product regulatory agency called on the public to report continuous unauthorized online sale or distribution of drug products. DMS