`Consumers must not simply believe ads'

The Food and Drug Monitoring Body has ordered the removal of 100 types of food supplements manufactured by Australia's Pan Pharmaceuticals Ltd. due to the failure of tests identified by the Australian Therapeutical Goods Administration earlier this year. This should be a lesson for consumers to be more careful about taking the supplements, according to several people interviewed by The Jakarta Post.

Fida, 29, is an employee with an outsourcing company in South Jakarta. She resides in Tangerang, Banten, with her family:

We have got to learn a lesson from the withdrawal of around 100 items of food supplement manufactured by the Australian company.

The government should have let the public know that the imported products are not always of good quality and reliable.

Besides, the consumers should also be aware of the real benefit of supplements without being misled by the brands and exorbitant prices. Consumers must not simply believe what the imported supplements advertise.

Many consumers are easily deceived by the garish advertisements due to their ignorance. I dare to say that imported goods are not necessarily good to take.

I prefer to take local, traditional herbal concoctions to make my body healthy because I clearly understand the benefits.

If I were to buy imported products, I would be more selective as the prices and brands sometimes are deceitful if we are not sensible.

But now I have been for three months taking vitamin E to keep my skin healthier despite the fact that I don't really trust the benefit.

Eric, 31, is a security officer who works with a private company in Tomang, West Jakarta. He resides in Pasar Rebo, East Jakarta, with his wife and two children:

I would agree with the withdrawal. Otherwise I take pity on the ignorant consumers who would have continued to take it.

But in a way, loyal customers will keep on pursuing the products despite the withdrawal. They have been somewhat addicted to the supplements.

I myself experienced how I was dependent on several supplements due to the belief that they would always keep my stamina up.

I really felt somewhat addicted to the supplements. And, those really kept me fit that time particularly when I did my job and had sexual activities. It was great.

Soon after I was laid off two years ago, I tried hard to stop taking the supplements since I realized that its effect would only last a day until I took it again.

Besides, I stopped buying supplements because of my financial constraints following the lay off. I would prioritize my family's survival more.

Now, even though I have got a new job, I learn to eat vegetables and healthy food to make me fit to support my job here.

Ansori, 26, is a shop attendant in Central Jakarta. He resides in Jl. Percetakan Negara, Central Jakarta with her friends:

The withdrawal is a very good step. I agree with the action.

At least, this can be considered the first move of the government to provide the public with the right information about food supplements.

I'm sure that there are many consumers who are ignorant of the real benefits of supplements.

Luring advertisements in the media has enticed the ignorant consumers to take the supplements without knowing the advantages.

I always wonder about the consumers' attitudes here who tend to be deceived easily just by bombastic bluffs of the drug producers. It's time for the consumers to learn a lesson.

I myself never take any kind of supplements since I don't see the advantage for my life. I prefer to rely on the natural way to stay healthy.

Almost twice a week I take a concoction of honey and eggs to increase my stamina. In addition, drinking hot tea with sugar every day is also good.

I choose the natural way because I believe that there will be no harmful side effects to my body.

--Leo Wahyudi S