False endorsements of health products and bogus claims of drug efficacy have flooded various social media platforms, endangering public health.

This was disclosed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the agency warned the public against patronizing products carrying fake endorsements and claims.

The FDA said the questioned endorsement are unauthorized and directly violates existing regulations.

The agency has noted an increasing trend of unauthorized endorsements of health products in the past several weeks.

Such endorsements tend to mislead consumers and may harm those patronizing the products.

The FDA reminded advertisers and social media endorsers of said products that they may be held liable of violating Republic Act No. 9711, also known as the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009.

RA 9711 provides that manufacture, importation, sale , distribution, promotion, advertising or sponsorship of health products without proper authorization from the FDA will be penalized.

The FDA urged the public to observe caution and diligence in determining the veracity of endorsements and claims of drug efficacy and benefits.

The public was urged to verify the registration or notification status of health products with the FDA using the FDA Verification Portal.