By Analou De Vera
A Department of Health (DOH) official has warned the public against the purchase of meat and seafood products that might be laced with formalin, as it may cause cancer and other health risks.
Manila Bulletin
Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo made the pronouncement after reports surfaced that imported seafood products might be laced with formalin to extend shelf life and to look deceptively fresh.
Domingo noted that formalin cannot be used as a preservative for any meat and food products.
"Ang formalin ay toxic substance. Hindi pwedeng gamitin sa pag preserve ng isda at karne at kakainin ng tao. Actually, nakakamatay po sya, 30 ml ng formalin is enough to kill an adult. (Formalin is a toxic substance. It cannot be used as a preservative for fish and meat products for consumption. 30 ml (milliters) of formalin is enough to kill an adult)," said Domingo during a radio interview on Wednesday.
"Kahit maliit na amount, maaring syang mag cause ng cancer later in life. Mahigpit po na ipinagbabawal ang paglalagay ng formalin sa kahit anong kakainin," he added. (Even in small amounts, it can cause cancer later in life. Putting formalin in food products is strictly prohibited.)
Domingo urged the public to immediately report to authorities if they found chemical- laced food products being sold in the market.
The health official said that sanctions might be imposed on food vendors if found selling products contaminated with formalin.
Manila Bulletin
Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo made the pronouncement after reports surfaced that imported seafood products might be laced with formalin to extend shelf life and to look deceptively fresh.
Domingo noted that formalin cannot be used as a preservative for any meat and food products.
"Ang formalin ay toxic substance. Hindi pwedeng gamitin sa pag preserve ng isda at karne at kakainin ng tao. Actually, nakakamatay po sya, 30 ml ng formalin is enough to kill an adult. (Formalin is a toxic substance. It cannot be used as a preservative for fish and meat products for consumption. 30 ml (milliters) of formalin is enough to kill an adult)," said Domingo during a radio interview on Wednesday.
"Kahit maliit na amount, maaring syang mag cause ng cancer later in life. Mahigpit po na ipinagbabawal ang paglalagay ng formalin sa kahit anong kakainin," he added. (Even in small amounts, it can cause cancer later in life. Putting formalin in food products is strictly prohibited.)
Domingo urged the public to immediately report to authorities if they found chemical- laced food products being sold in the market.
The health official said that sanctions might be imposed on food vendors if found selling products contaminated with formalin.