BAI warns public vs pet food sold online

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) is warning the public against the proliferation of unregistered pet food products being sold online, including those on e-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada and TikTok.

In an advisory, the BAI said its post-marketing surveillance and verification of records confirmed that various products sold online lack proper certification and their suppliers remain unidentified.

“We strongly advise the owners of these products to coordinate with BAI or the Food and Drug Administration, particularly for items with therapeutic claims, to ensure proper evaluation and registration,” the Bureau said.

“Pet owners are reminded not to purchase or promote these unregistered feed products until they have been certified by the BAI or FDA,” it added.

Some of the unregistered products and brands discovered by BAI include veTcore+, Fit Paws, Tovitar, Popoo and Petcher Organics. 

The items involve treats for dogs, vitamins and products that claim to improve pets’ fur, hip and joint health and gut health as well as boost immunity.

Pet food has been one of the fastest growing markets in the country today, with domestic animal feed makers venturing into pet food products to replace the lost demand from traditional markets like hogs. Industry players estimate that the country’s pet food market is worth about P24 billion and is growing every year.

“We need to make the public aware: buy products that are registered. This (would) protect consumers from harmful consequences of using unregistered products,” Philippine Association of Feed Millers president Edwin Mapanao told The STAR.

Philippine Veterinary Drug and Nutrition Association president Evangeline Abella said unregistered pet food may endanger animal health as they lack proper quality control and formulation.

“We strongly advocate for responsible industry practices and encourage manufacturers and distributors to comply with the necessary regulatory standards set by BAI and the FDA,” Abella told The STAR.