By Anna liza Cabrido/Philippine News Agency
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Vape shops here and in neighboring areas are reportedly operating illegally because of the lack of license to operate from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Jenny Ventura, Department of Health (DOH)-Region 12 anti-smoking program focal person, said Tuesday the FDA has not issued a license to any entity in the region and even the entire country to distribute and sell vape products.
Ventura said establishments and related entities that are “selling products entering the body” are mainly required to get licenses from the agency.
Most of the existing vape shops only carry business permits from local government units that do not include proper regulations for their products, she said.
“I wonder why there are many vape shops operating here and in other areas even though the FDA has not issued any license yet,” she said in a radio interview.
Ventura was reacting to the reports about the increasing number of vape shops or outlets selling electronic or e-cigarettes in the city and other key areas in Region 12 or Soccksargen.
She said vape products are even promoted among residents as supposed alternative to smoking cigarettes.
The official reiterated that the DOH and FDA, which have noted that vapes also contain nicotine and are addictive, have not recommended their use as an alternative to smoking cigarettes.
She also pointed out the absence of scientific studies proving that the use of such products is safe and could help people who want to quit smoking.
Vaping is the action or practice of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device.
“The vapor emitted by e-cigarettes is even heavier than the regular cigarettes,” Ventura said.
She advised residents who want to quit smoking to instead seek the help of health workers, through the local health centers.
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