BAN Toxics Calls On Shopee To Remove Mercury-Laced “Feique” Whitening Products From Its Platform, Uphold Ban

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Toxic and pollution watchdog BAN Toxics today called on online shopping site Shopee to address the sale of Feique whitening products, which have been banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to toxic mercury ingredients.

“We are dismayed that online shopping platforms, such as Shopee, allow sellers to advertise prohibited or banned skin-lightening products, exposing the public to health-damaging mercury,” said BAN Toxics Campaigner Thony Dizon. “This is a direct violation of the platforms’ policies and guidelines on prohibited and restricted products.”

In a recent online monitoring, BAN Toxics purchased and documented eight variants of Feique cosmetic products, namely Feique Cucumber Whitening & Freckle-Eliminating Cream, Feique Ginseng Whitening Freckle Day Cream and Night Cream, Feique Green Tea Whitening Nourishing Anti-Freckle Set, Feique Herbal Extract Whitening Freckle Removing Cream, Feique Lemon Whitening Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream Set, Feique Papaya Whitening & Freckle-Eliminating Set, Feique Rose Whitening Anti-Freckle Cream, and Feique Snail Liquid Whitening Anti-Freckle Set.

Using a portable Olympus Vanta C Series X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, the samples were screened and tested positive for mercury concentrations ranging from 20 parts per million (ppm) to as high as 7,500 ppm—far exceeding the 1 ppm limit set by the country's regulatory agencies, the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive, and the Minamata Convention on Mercury, to which the Philippines is a party.

The FDA has warned the public against using “unauthorized” and “unnotified” cosmetic products containing toxic mercury, advising consumers not to purchase these violative items.

“Potential hazards may come from ingredients that are not allowed to be part of a cosmetic product or from the contamination of heavy metals. The use of substandard and possibly adulterated cosmetic products may result in adverse reactions including, but not limited to, skin irritation, itchiness, anaphylactic shock, and organ failure,” the FDA advisory states.

The China-made “Feique” skin whitening products were banned by the FDA in 2013, and an additional five products of the same brand, in June 2024.

“We are calling the attention of online shopping platforms to take preventive action and exercise ‘due diligence’ in removing or banning sellers that violate regulations on prohibited cosmetic products. Such measures are crucial for promoting a mercury-free shopping platform for consumers' health and safety,” Dizon said.

“Online businesses must adhere to the country’s laws and regulations, including safeguarding online consumers against health and safety risks, as outlined in Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 22-01 Series of 2022.”

BAN Toxics regularly conducts monitoring of both online and on-site markets to identify and warn the public about the sale of mercury-containing skin whitening products.

"To protect the public from the negative effects of hazardous chemicals in cosmetic products, it is high time for the government to implement robust compliance and enforcement strategies. This includes identifying importers, manufacturers, and other supply chains, particularly within e-commerce sites. Health agencies should also conduct nationwide awareness campaigns to inform consumers about the health and environmental effects of mercury," the group said.

“The government should put an end to the illegal trade of mercury-added skin-lightening cosmetics in both online and on-site markets. We urge our regulatory agencies: FDA, DTI, and the Bureau of Customs to crack down on smugglers of these prohibited and contraband products.”

BAN Toxics likewise asked the public to take caution when buying skin-lightening products, advising them to check for proper certifications and avoid products from unverified sources to protect their health and safety.




Mercury is cited by the World Health Organization as one of the top ten chemicals of major concern due to its adverse impacts on human health and the environment. The chemical is known to negatively affect the nervous, digestive, and immune systems.

Japan State Minister TSUGE Yoshifumi visits PHLPost Facility

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Japan State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Tsuge Yoshifumi, and former Postmaster at Nagoya Moritaka Post Office met with Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) Chairman Stephen Cruz and Postmaster General/CEO Luis Carlos to discuss how Japan can help PHLPost improve its postal services through Digitalization and maintain its Universal Postal Obligation of delivering mails nationwide especially in far-flung areas.

Japan is keen on collaborating with PHLPost on projects that would comprehensively carry out a broad range of partnerships on modernization initiatives at the mail exchange centers and possible cooperation on banking services.

State Minister Tsuge and his party visited the postal operations particularly at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.

State Minister Tsuge noted the importance of collaboration and building of diplomatic ties between Japan and the Philippines, and stated that the trust between the two countries postal agency’s has been fostered with the two-day mission of Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) and Japan Post together with the Embassy of Japan at the postal facilities of PHLPost last March 2024.

He expressed his confidence that cooperation in various areas will contribute to the further development of the postal services in terms of Digitalization and the growing friendship between Japan and the Philippines. This will enable PHLPost to improve and optimize its mail delivery to meet the growing demand especially in e-commerce.

Japan has one of the best postal services and infrastructure in the world. Japan Post is the only Asian country that is level 10 in the Integrated Index for Postal Development (2IPD) 2022 of the Universal Postal Union. Japan Post Co., Ltd., a member of the Japan Post Group and operates approximately 24,000 post offices nationwide, provides universal postal, banking and insurance service.

According to Postmaster General Carlos, “We are very much honored to be visited by the State Minister of Japan for Foreign Affairs. The collaboration being offered is a welcome initiative to PHLPost. Through strengthened partnership and good governance, PHLPost will embark on a journey towards transformation and growth, together with its dedicated postal employees, as the postal service will remain committed to delivering reliable and affordable postal services, embracing innovation, and fostering closer ties with its stakeholders”.

TopBreed signs sponsorship deal with UPMBT anew

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Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) dog food brand TopBreed has stepped up anew to support the University of the Philippines Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) with a new partnership deal signed with university and team officials at the UP Executive House, August 21.

TopBreed of URC’s Agro-Industrial Group (URC-AIG) has been one of the Fighting Maroons’ sponsors since 2020. URC-AIG first partnered with the team in 2018 through its premium farm products unit, Robina Farms.

To formalize the renewed partnership for UAAP Season 87, URC-AIG managing director Vincent Henry Go officially signed the Memorandum of Agreement with URC-AIG Supply Chain Director Rafael Jose Ruiz, nowheretogobutUP chairman Jed Eva, and Coach Christian Luanzon representing head coach Goldwin Monteverde.

“Continuing our support for the UPMBT is a privilege for us because we believe in the same values—dedication, teamwork and excellence. The success and continuous growth of TopBreed is a testament to the Filipino’s world class talent, just like the UP Fighting Maroons,” shared Go, referring to the similar values of the UPMBT and TopBreed, now the leading Philippine-made dog food brand in the country.

“Over the years, we have seen the tenacity and “never say die” mentality of our athletes. We witnessed the cardiac games and those come-from-behind wins. We have the heart of a champion,” Go added. “Their path to success mirrors TopBreed's own dedication to product quality and great team work with all stakeholders.”

“We are really grateful for the generosity of Vincent Go and the rest of the URC-AIG family, who have been our partners since 2018 – from Robina Farms and now TopBreed,” UPMBT manager Atty. Agaton Uvero said. “TopBreed came in to support the team in October 2020, never mind that we were then still reeling from the pandemic and needed help the most. Since then, they have always been there for us.”

“We really appreciate how supportive Vincent, his family, and his entire organization have been. More than just the financial support, the moral support that they give the Fighting Maroons by being present in all of our games is priceless,” said UP OASD Director Bo Perasol.

TopBreed and the UPMBT are also partners beyond basketball.

“With this partnership, we are combining our love of basketball and our bond with our furry friends, creating a platform where fans can connect with the Fighting Maroons and their Top Game Buddies or their Most Valuable Pals (MVPs),” said Go. “At TopBreed, we are committed to helping both athletes and pet lovers as we continue to champion the spirit of teamwork on and off the court, celebrating our loyal pets as our number one supporters in the game of life.”