Following backlash from netizens questioning the ban on Filipino favorite Reno liver spread—along with four other products—the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a statement regarding the reason for the said prohibition.
FDA reiterated that the ban came following the failure of the RENO Foods, Incorporated, the manufacturer of RENO brand Liver spread, to secure a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR)—which is a requirement before any processed food product can be released in the Philippine market.
The agency said CPR and License-to- Operate (LTO) are two mandated authorizations needed for the food manufacturer to be allowed to sell processed food in the country.
“The evaluation process for CPR entails checking of the safety and quality of a respective product with applicable standards and issuances,” FDA said in its statement.
FDA on Augst 26 issued an advisory against Reno liver spread, Miracle White Advance Whitening Capsule, Turcumin, DESA Spanish style sardines, and Samantha Dips and Sauce—warning ‘all healthcare professionals and the general public not to purchase or consume the unlicensed food products’.
READ ALSO: Philippines’ FDA bans Reno liver spread, 4 other products
Filipino netizens expressed their disbelief at the ban, with many stating that their households have lived and relied on Reno Liver Spread, which has been in existence since 1958, as among their go-to products as their spread during breakfast or as a key ingredient for their family’s recipes.
“Ilang dekada na yan… tapos ngayon lang nalaman na hnd registrado yan? ,” said a netizen in a recent post of The Filipino Times.
“Ano na ba ang nangyayari? Bakit sa tagal ng panahon now lang nila nasilip yan… Nai-export na nga yan tapos sasabihin nila na unregistered. Hindi na makukumpleto ang kaldereta at menudo kung wala yan,” said another Filipino.
FDA reiterated, however, that they have issued the advisory as part of their responsibility to inform the public about the situation.
“Upon extensive search of FDA databases, the mentioned liver spread failed to secure a CPR. Thus, the FDA has a responsibility to inform the public, through an advisory, that RENO Brand Liver Spread is NOT REGISTERED as of this date as a processed food product and must secure the required authorization from this Office,” it said.
