Indonesia’s BPOM Issues Alert on Fake “FDA Approved” Claims in Online Supplements
Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has issued a public warning urging consumers to be cautious of health supplements sold online that falsely claim to be “FDA approved.” In a report published by pafikutaikab.org The agency emphasized that such claims are misleading and do not guarantee product safety or legality in Indonesia.
In an official statement released this week, BPOM explained that many imported or locally sold supplements circulating on e-commerce platforms and social media use “FDA approved” labels to appear credible. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not “approve” dietary supplements in the same way it regulates pharmaceutical drugs. This misconception has been widely exploited by irresponsible sellers to boost product sales.
BPOM spokesperson Dr. Livia Rosana stated that consumers should not equate “FDA approved” with official authorization from Indonesian authorities. “Even if a supplement claims to meet international standards, it must still be registered and approved by BPOM before being sold in Indonesia. This ensures the product meets our safety, quality, and labeling requirements,” she said.
The agency’s monitoring team recently discovered multiple online advertisements promoting imported supplements with the “FDA approved” logo or similar wording. Some of these products also featured fake certificates or manipulated registration codes, giving buyers a false sense of security. According to BPOM, this practice not only violates consumer protection laws but can also pose health risks.
BPOM reminded the public that the FDA only oversees supplement manufacturing practices in the United States, ensuring companies follow certain standards. However, the FDA does not test or certify individual supplement products before they reach consumers. As a result, claims such as “FDA approved” are inaccurate and often deceptive when applied to dietary supplements.
Health experts also warn that unverified supplements can contain ingredients that are unsafe, contaminated, or improperly dosed. Some may interact with prescription medications or cause harmful side effects. In severe cases, long-term use of unregulated products could lead to liver, kidney, or cardiovascular complications.
To help consumers avoid scams, BPOM encourages people to verify supplement registrations through the agency’s official database at cekbpom.pom.go.id or by using the BPOM mobile app. Each legal product will have a valid registration number beginning with “SI” (for imported supplements) or “SD” (for domestic supplements).
Dr. Livia added that consumers should also pay attention to product packaging and labeling. “Legal supplements must include clear information in Bahasa Indonesia, including manufacturer details, expiration dates, and dosage instructions. If a label contains only foreign text or suspicious claims, it’s a red flag,” she noted.
BPOM is currently working with e-commerce platforms and social media companies to remove listings of unregistered supplements and penalize sellers who mislead consumers. The agency also urged influencers and online resellers to avoid promoting health products without proper permits.
As Indonesia’s supplement market continues to expand, BPOM emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness and responsible marketing. “We encourage the public to be smart buyers,” Dr. Livia concluded. “Always check BPOM registration, don’t trust unverified claims, and remember — your health and safety come first.”
With the growing popularity of online shopping, BPOM’s warning serves as an important reminder: a label that says “FDA approved” is not a guarantee of safety only BPOM’s approval ensures a product is legal and safe for Indonesian consumers.
Source: https://pafikutaikab.org/