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FDA warns against 'anti-virus' lanyard, says no evidence of effectivity

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Kristine Sabillo, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/news/05/14/virus-shut-out.jpg"/><figcaption><em>Photo from United States Environmental Protection Agency website</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA — The Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration on Thursday said Filipinos should be wary of products claiming to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).</p><p>Among them is the product called Virus Shut Out, which is supposedly a lanyard with sodium hypochlorite, a compound that has been used to disinfect water.</p><p>“These are not registered with FDA and there is no evidence to show that they can prevent COVID-19,” FDA Director General Eric Domingo told ABS-CBN News.</p><p>“People should not rely on them to prevent infection,” he added. </p><p>People who sell unregistered products face penalties under the Republic Act 9711 or the FDA Act.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lDlky6yNmQo?enablejsapi=1"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><p>ABS-CBN News received unverified reports that the product is being used by health workers in a hospital in Manila, as well as some government officials.</p><p>The product is being sold online through shopping apps and social media. Despite having no FDA approval, a pack of Virus Shut Out is sold for a few hundred pesos on two of the country’s largest shopping apps. Based on the ratings and reviews, hundreds of Filipinos have already bought and used the item.</p><p>The FDA gave the warning after the United States’ crackdown on the said brand and other bogus products being marketed to people who seek protection against the virus.</p><p>CNN reported that US custom officials have already seized thousands of the unregistered lanyards, as well as tablets and herbal medicines.</p><p>The Virus Shut Out product is supposedly made in Japan, according to its packaging. A Hong Kong Free Press article said the product has already been banned around Asia although it is still available in Hong Kong stores as of March “despite dubious claims.”</p>

<p>The Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration on Thursday said Filipinos should be wary of products claiming to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).<br /> </p>

The Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration on Thursday said Filipinos should be wary of products claiming to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

FDA warns against 'anti-virus' lanyard, says no evidence of effectivity

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FDA warns against 'anti-virus' lanyard, says no evidence of effectivity

Kristine Sabillo,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 14, 2020 04:07 PM PHT

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Updated May 15, 2020 09:06 AM PHT

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COVID-19

coronavirus

Virus Shut Out

bogus products

Food and Drug Administration

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