entrepremom

You must have seen this clause a million times over national television especially after every airing of herbal supplements advertisements or printed at the bottom of each print ad. In simpler terms, the manufacturers of these supplements do not claim that their products is capable of treating any kind of disease or ailment.

The story was different 20 years ago when people ONLY believed in what their doctors say. People then, especially the ones in the urban areas rely on medicines A LOT. But times have changed, people are now once again tapping various “alternative options” for prevention and ailment – since people felt ‘safer’ because it’s ‘all natural’.

This ‘need’ pushed manufacturers to take the less traveled path and ventured into “alternative medicines”.

Right now, alternative medicines is a growing multi-billion dollar business on every corners of the world. More and more supplements are being sold each day all claiming to AID the body in fighting the harmful effects of what they eat, drink, lack of sleep and more. But do these medicines really help at all?

After every advertisement of these alternative medicines comes the disclaimer of all sorts, ‘No Approved Therapeutic Claims‘. This simply means that the product advertised has not yet been approved by Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) and the manufacturer do not claim that it could treat anything. It also means that no long-term study has been done to prove the efficiency of the product. Manila Standard Today describes this disclaimer clause “perfunctory and vague” because indeed, it is.

On March 18, 2010, the Department of Health mandated to replace the clause with “Important notice: The product is not medicine and is not to be used for treating diseases.” oftentimes it is translated into Filipino: “Mahalagang paalaala: Ang ________ ay hindi dapat gamiting panggamot sa anumang uri ng sakit.”

But do people notice this? more so, treat the clause seriously and as a warning? Some do but most people are blinded by the testimonials of celebrities endorsing the herbal supplements. Manufacturers invest a huge portion of their budget on the talent fees of their endorsers. Gullible consumers would easily believe in these celebrities and so they will buy the product – much to the delight (and profit!) of the manufacturers ^_^

Lately I noticed how these manufacturers have tapped social media in marketing their products and you’ll see lots of them on Facebook and Twitter BUT NOT THE NO APPROVED THERAPEUTIC CLAIMS CLAUSE.

But…why?

Is it not their responsibility to inform the greater public about the real purpose of their product, including what it can and it cannot do? Shouldn’t they present the real nature of their product? Is it medicine? Is it food? The consumers need the truth. Drop the sugar coated testimonials and glittering personality endorsements!

And shouldn’t the Department of Health be concerned on the presence of these supplements on the worldwide web and how it is being marketed? because in the Administrative Order 2010-0008, it says there “This applies to every advertisement, promotion and/or sponsorship activities or any materials concerning food/dietary supplements.

For print and other visual advertisements, promotions or materials, the prescribed standard message or phrase shall be at least 1/3 of the size of the largest letter/logo and prominently (all in capital and bold letters) printed above of every advertisement, promotional activities or any materials used.”

It’s clear, but I don’t think that this is being followed.