Is this safe?: What consumers often miss

With so many products available online, in drugstores, and even at convenience stores — like supplements, skincare products, slimming teas, and herbal oils — it can be hard to know which ones are actually safe. As more of these products become available, the chances of running into ones that are not regulated or are falsely marketed also go up.

In January 2025, a Facebook page shared false claims that a milk drink could cure hepatitis, even going as far as posting a counterfeit Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Certificate of Product Registration supposedly endorsed by the Philippine General Hospital. The FDA promptly flagged the post as misleading and clarified that no such approval had been granted. This incident emphasizes how easily fake endorsements and forged certificates can circulate online, especially through social media platforms. It underlines the importance for consumers to look beyond surface-level claims and verify information independently, rather than taking everything at face value.

This is why it’s important to check if a product is registered with the FDA. The FDA makes sure that products related to health, food, cosmetics, and medicine are safe and of good quality. When you see a product that’s FDA-approved or just FDA-notified, it helps you make smarter choices when buying or using these items.

FDA-approved vs. FDA-notified

While products might be labeled as either FDA-approved or FDA-notified to indicate safety and compliance, these labels don’t mean the same thing. Understanding the difference between the two can help consumers avoid confusion and make more knowledgeable decisions.

When a product is labeled as “FDA-approved,” it can mean a couple of different things. It might be FDA-approved, which applies to higher-risk products that have undergone a thorough review process. Alternatively, it could be “FDA-notified,” usually for lower-risk items like cosmetics that simply meet certain documentation requirements. Both options are legally valid, but they involve different levels of evaluation and approval processes.

If a product receives FDA approval, it means the agency has conducted a comprehensive review to ensure safety, quality, and effectiveness. This involves carefully examining test results, documentation, and technical data.

If the product passes these strict assessments, it is granted a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR), which is typically valid for one to two years upon initial approval. Companies may renew this for up to five years, provided they submit their renewal application at least one month before the expiration date to maintain continued authorization. This process is crucial for products that pose higher health risks, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, medical devices like thermometers, nebulizers, or testing kits, processed foods and dietary supplements, and household hazardous substances like bleach or insect sprays.

While this approval process can take more time and require more resources, it provides consumers and businesses with confidence that the product has been thoroughly evaluated before reaching the market.

Meanwhile, products considered lower-risk, like cosmetics and some personal care items, are only required to go through a simple notification process with the FDA, which would be labeled later on as FDA-notified. Because this route involves fewer regulatory hurdles, it often makes such products quicker and easier to market — one reason why many companies opt for notification instead of full approval.

This involves the manufacturer or distributor submitting basic documentation such as product labels, safety information, and ingredient lists. If everything checks out, the FDA issues a Certificate of Product Notification (CPN),  which is typically valid for one year. Like other FDA authorizations, renewal applications must be submitted electronically through the FDA ePortal system to maintain continued recognition. As long as these products are properly labeled and safe for general use, they don’t need to undergo clinical trials or laboratory testing. Common examples include soaps, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, makeup, perfumes, and certain herbal or wellness products. While the process is less involved, being FDA-notified still means the product is officially recognized by the agency and authorized for sale.

Understanding the difference between FDA-approved and FDA-notified products is key to managing expectations and avoiding confusion. Many people assume that if a product bears the ‘FDA’ label, it has undergone comprehensive testing, but that’s not always the case. For example, some consumers believe that popular skincare items like whitening creams or facial serums have been fully tested and approved by the FDA, when in reality, many are only FDA-notified, meaning they were submitted with basic documentation but not subjected to clinical trials.

For instance, a skincare product might be labeled as FDA-notified, which simply means it has been registered and reviewed on paper — it doesn’t necessarily mean it has been proven effective or that it won’t cause adverse reactions. This information is especially essential for those with health issues, allergies, or sensitive skin, as knowing a product’s FDA status helps individuals assess potential risks and decide if it’s suitable for them.

How to check a product’s FDA status

Verifying whether a product is FDA registered is a simple yet important step to ensure safe and responsible use. The most direct way to confirm a product’s registration status is by visiting the FDA Verification Portal. This official online database allows users to search by product name, the CPR or CPN number, or the name of the manufacturer or distributor. A product that appears in the system has either been approved or notified by the FDA, meaning it has gone through the agency’s review process for safety, quality, and labeling compliance. If it does not appear in the portal, it may be unregistered, expired, or falsely claiming to be FDA-recognized.

Another handy way to verify a product is by performing a simple Google search using the format: site:verification.fda.gov.ph “product name”. This search narrows down results specifically from the FDA’s official website, making it easier to find relevant information. It’s especially useful if you’re not certain about the exact registration number but want to quickly check whether a product appears in the system. Consumers can use this method anytime, and it’s particularly helpful when verifying trending or unfamiliar products being marketed online. This method also comes in handy for mobile users or during times when the official portal is slow or unresponsive — a common issue for many government sites.

Bear in mind that it’s always reasonable to ask the seller or distributor for documentation to verify a product. Reputable vendors should be willing to share copies of their product’s CPR or CPN when the buyer requests. If the seller can’t provide the necessary proof or seems hesitant to answer, it’s probably best to reconsider your purchase. Taking a moment to check a product’s FDA status might seem small, but it’s a critical step in protecting your health, avoiding unsafe or counterfeit items, and making smart, knowledgeable choices as a consumer.

Why FDA registration matters

It’s common to trust product reviews, advertisements, or social media buzz, but these sources don’t always guarantee safety or compliance. Spending just a few moments to verify whether a product is properly registered can help consumers steer clear of harmful ingredients, expired items, or unregulated products that shouldn’t be on the market. For instance, in 2021, an unregistered slimming tea that circulated widely on social media was linked to reports of palpitations and severe dehydration, prompting an FDA advisory. Simple checks can save consumers from these risks — and from wasting money on products that might not deliver what is being promised or could even pose long-term health hazards.

Understanding the difference between ‘approved’ and ‘notified’ isn’t about restricting the options; it’s about being clear on what each status signifies and the level of review the product has undergone. This awareness helps consumers make more knowledgeable decisions and ensures proper communication across teams. It also helps avoid unnecessary panic or misinformation — just because a product isn’t “FDA-approved” doesn’t automatically mean it’s unsafe. Some items simply fall into the FDA-notified category due to their lower risk profile, which requires a different but still legitimate regulatory process.

Before trying out a new supplement, skincare product, or health item, it’s a good idea to check its safety and approval status directly through the FDA portal. Relying solely on what the packaging claims might not give the full picture — doing a quick check helps make knowledgeable decisions based on facts. It’s a small step, but it protects your health, your money, and your trust.