FDA Warns Public Vs Non-Compliant Air Fresheners

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reiterated on Sunday its warning to the public on the use of air fresheners that have been found to be non-compliant with the government standards.

The warning was contained in the FDA Advisory No. 2016-109 wherein the consumers have been advised to avoid the purchase and use of six air fresheners found present in the local market.

“The FDA warns the general public against using, buying, and storing these air fresheners, as these pose imminent hazards and danger to both human and animal health,” said the advisory which was signed by FDA Officer-in-Charge Maria Lourdes Santiago.

The FDA said these products are: Die Zhuang Jasmine Perfume Air Freshener 470ml Green Pressurized Can; Die Zhuang Lemon Perfume Air Freshener 470ml Yellow Pressurized Can; Stick On-Car Air Freshener Lavender 35g Plastic Jar; Wanjia Air Freshener Lemon 2x60g Yellow Plastic Jar Enclosed in Cardboard Packaging Material; Wanjia Air Freshener Jasmine 60g Plastic Jar With Green Cap; and Wanjia Air Freshener Lavender 60g Purple Plastic Jar.

The FDA is an attached agency of the Department of Health (DOH).

Santiago said the six air fresheners were found to be non-compliant as they have no clear instructions, warnings or precautions indicated in their labels.

Normally, labels of the said products should include the words “DANGER,” “WARNING,” “Do not take internally,” “Use only in a well-ventilated area,” and “Avoid breathing dust (or vapor).”

Santiago reminded the public and law enforcement agencies that selling of such products is a direct violation of the law.

Similarly, retailers are being warned by the FDA against selling the said products in the jurisdictions of local government units (LGUs).

The agency ordered all of its Field Regulatory Operations Offices to monitor the market for the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, sale, offer for sale, transportation, promotion and/or advertisement of the said products in direct violation of the law.

It also ordered inventory and sealing of all of the aforesaid products found in the Philippine market, and to effect/conduct seizure of the same in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.

Air fresheners are consumer products used in homes, or commercial products used in restrooms, that typically emit fragrance.

There are many different methods and brands of air freshener. Some of the different types of air fresheners include sprays, candles, oils, gels, beads, and plug-ins.

There are also solid and passive types, which use ceramic material and water based ingredients. (PNA) SCS/LSJ/RSM