The Ministry of Health has banned a Facebook account named “The trust of men” which was being used to promote the sale of a male sexual enhancing drink called Maca Cordyceps Tea without receiving permission from the ministry.
The ministry warned the owner of the account that legal action would be taken.
The ministry said it must approve all food product advertisements according to a Prakas (government declaration) issued last year.
“To avoid financial loss and harm to consumers, the Ministry of Health urges all citizens to cease using or purchasing food products that are unscientifically advertised on the Facebook account, ‘The trust of men’, a ministry notice posted Tuesday said.
Secretary of state and ministry spokeswoman Or Vandine could not be reached for comment Thursday.
According to the ministry’s website post concerning last year’s national seminar on drug quality control, she called on citizens to avoid the use of over-the-counter medicines without proper prescriptions and drugs advertised on social media and websites because they are unsafe.
“It costs you money, delays treatment, and can be life-threatening,” Vandine said on the website.
To ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of the drug, the National Centre for Health Testing must continue to strengthen its ability to monitor the quality of medicines, including traditional medicines, health supplement drugs and cosmetics, she said.
If citizens need information about the safety of drugs, they are welcome to call the ministry’s Department of Drugs, Food, Medical Equipment and Cosmetics at any of the following numbers - 53 80 66, 077 80 49 66, 012 20 49 65 or 011 99 22 72.