While unauthorized products sold in all-in-one retail stores dubbed “presyong Divisoria” are affordable, these can pose risk to consumers and the environment, the EcoWaste Coalition said.
“While these stores carry a range of affordable items that people use on a daily basis, some of the products being sold there may lack the needed authorization or certification that can put the health and well-being of consumers at risk,” stressed Thony Dizon, a chemical safety campaigner of the EcoWaste Coalition.
All-in-one retail stores, which have sprouted in Metro Manila and other urban centers, are quite popular among budget and discount shoppers in need of cosmetics, electronics, hand tools, kitchenware, school supplies, toys and other miscellaneous items within their means. Among the problematic goods found by the group are products flagged by health authorities for not being notified or registered, or for containing banned or restricted substances.
Drugs and medical devices, including antiseptic plastic strips, face masks, medicated oil and topical ointment bought in the stores were also found not registered with the Food and Drug Administration .