The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) uncovered a factory in Arayat, Pampanga, producing counterfeit children’s vitamins in unsanitary conditions, using a washing machine to mix ingredients. The raid was prompted by a complaint from a former factory employee, leading NBI operatives to discover the alarming setup.
In the raid, agents found that raw materials, including sugar, food coloring, and flavoring, were being combined in a washing machine to create the fake vitamin syrup. Jun Capreso from NBI Central Luzon described the process as highly unsanitary and noted that the concoction contained no actual vitamins. “They are using unregistered content. The vitamins are just composed of flavoring and sugar, nothing else,” Capreso said.
The counterfeit product has reportedly been distributed across Central Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao for nearly 20 years. Authorities seized approximately PHP 400,000 worth of the fake vitamin syrup from the site. Capreso also noted that the factory initially copied a known vitamin C brand but has since changed labels to imitate different brands over time.
The factory owner was arrested and now faces charges under Republic Act No. 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009. The NBI urges the public to purchase vitamins and medicines only from legitimate drug stores to ensure safety.