By Analou De Vera The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that it will implement a stricter safety and quality standards for vinegar products present in the market, following a recent study that some of the said products are made from synthetic raw materials. In a statement, FDA Director-General Nela Charade Puno said that they are waiting for the final report of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) that recently conducted a study on vinegar brands sold in the market. The PNRI said that eight out of 10 vinegar products “contain fake ingredients,” mostly synthetic acetic acid. "The PNRI study will be the basis of new and higher standards. The implementation of the new standards will be complemented by intensive consumer information and education program," said Puno. "This early, let me already tell the peddlers of vinegar products that will not pass the new standards that there will be a major crackdown on these products followed by sustained regulatory enforcement action,” she added. The agency said that they are expecting that there will be resistance from vendors when they start implementing the new stricter policy. " anticipates that the new, higher standards and law enforcement action will be met with resistance from the market vendor sector,” said Puno. "The FDA recognizes that many buyers prefer cheaper brands. However, we cannot allow public health to be exposed to health hazards just to save a few pesos,” she added. The agency has called on the consumers to be vigilant in buying vinegar products. "The FDA called on consumers to examine the vinegar products they are purchasing to make sure that these are made from natural ingredients such as cane sugar and coconut," reminded Puno.