FDA to file cases vs sellers of unregistered lambanog
MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration said it will file cases against sellers of unregistered and adulterated lambanog products after at least 21 people allegedly died after drinking the coconut wine this year.
In a statement, FDA ordered its inspectors and agents to seize unregistered lambanog products and make sure that none of the “toxic alcoholic beverages” are sold to the public “to prevent further loss of life to unsuspecting consumers.”
“FDA will be filing cases against the identified peddlers of these unregistered, out of specs, and/or adulterated alcoholic beverages,” said.
The agency also said it will be coordinating with other law enforcement services for the filing of criminal cases against those connected with the deaths allegedly caused by unregistered lambanog products.
FDA, moreover, said it is monitoring other lambanog products in the market as part of its post marketing surveillance.
The agency earlier discovered that sample products from Laguna, Rizal and Tarlac tested positive for high levels of methanol, a prohibited additive. It is suspected to have caused the deaths of some individuals.
Ingestion of high amounts of methanol could lead to blindness and permanent neurologic dysfunction and may lead to death, FDA said.
Lambanog making is a cottage industry in areas where coconuts are grown.
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