FDA Warns Landers and S&R over Unregistered Food and Health Products

You might want to double-check those imported snacks or health supplements in your pantry. After a quick morning coffee and the usual rush to beat the BGC traffic, many shoppers head to Landers or S&R for their monthly membership haul. However, a recent visit from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put these retail giants under the microscope.

During inspections at their Bonifacio Global City (BGC) branches, the FDA found several food and health products being sold without proper registration or correct labels. It is a sobering reminder that even in the biggest, cleanest aisles, some items might not have the paperwork to prove they are safe for your family.

FDA inspection results for Landers and S&R BGC branches

The surprise checks were led by FDA Director General Atty. Paolo Teston as part of a nationwide move to tighten rules on what reaches Filipino consumers. The agency discovered that both stores were carrying items that lacked:

• Official FDA registration numbers.

• Proper labeling or supporting documentation.

• Traceable origins to ensure the product's safety and quality.

Because these items have not been vetted by the agency, they are technically unregistered. This means the government cannot guarantee their safety, quality, or if the ingredients listed on the back are actually what is inside the package.

Also read: Thailand Pulls 200,000 Hong Thai Herbal Inhalers After Bacteria Found in Samples

Possible penalties and store closures for non-compliance

The FDA is not just giving a polite nudge. They have warned that retailers failing to fix these issues could face heavy penalties. These range from seizing the products right off the shelves to more drastic measures like suspending their licenses or even closing the stores down entirely.

Atty. Teston pointed out that major retailers have a critical role in safeguarding the supply chain, including online channels and digital marketplaces. When a product is sold at a major warehouse club, it often finds its way into other homes. The agency expects these stores to exercise due diligence before letting a product hit the floor or face immediate consequences.

How to check if your grocery items are FDA registered

^{Image credit: LukaTDB via Canva Pro}

For many of us, membership shopping is a way to save money on bulk items, but safety should always come first. The FDA will continue to monitor branches and enforcement operations nationwide to make sure only compliant products reach consumers. If you are worried about a specific item you bought, you can check the FDA’s official website for a list of registered food and health products.

^{Featured image credit: Landers Superstore Otis Manila, S&R Member Shopping | Facebook}