`Consumers must not simply believe ads'

`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