Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Philippines conducted an investigation and found the presence of toxic non-permissible colorants (NPC) in the market. Processed food products were analyzed at the FDA laboratories which consist of 62 samples.

The FDA field officers collected food product samples such as of chili powder, cheese powder, tumeric powder, paprika powder, atsuete powder, kasubha powder, red gulaman, dried shrimp, fish tapa, fish cracker and snack foods, sugar coated fennel, seasoning mix, spices and blends.

The analysis showed that out of 62 samples 16 (25.80%) of the products showed a positive result for NPC.

Rhodamine B, Sudan III, Metanil Yellow and Orange II are some items on the list of NPC. According to the FDA Philippines, Rhodamine B has been shown to be carcinogenic in mammalian models. Sudan Dye is a toxic and carcinogenic industrial dye that is used in shoe and floor polish, solvents, oils, waxes and petrol, and is likely to contain heavy metals. Chronic consumption of Metanil Yellow has been shown to predispose the body to nervous toxicity, while repeated oral administration of Orange II induce severe damage to red blood cells, bile duct, spleen, liver, kidney, and testes in rats and mice. Chromosomal damage was produced in the bone marrow and sperm of mice fed Orange II.

FDA ensures that all products available in the market has undergone the process of registration and passed through the requirements in compliance to the FDA regulations and standards. In coordination of the Centers for Health Development (CHDs) and local government units (LGUs), the FDA Field FDROs were mandated in confiscating and recalling violative products or closure of establishments that are found to offense the FDA Act of 2009 and the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

FDA Philippines has been with its stupendous practice securing not only the Filipino’s health and safety but also the Philippine food export industry and tourism as well. This pace of the FDA will facilitate strengthening of the food business sector in the Philippines.

The FDA Philippines has been on the alert securing that all food, food supplements, drugs, medical devices and cosmetics penetrating the market is free from any harmful or toxic substances that may affect the health and safety of the consumers.

For supplementary information, the FDA Philippines released a list of the permissible food colorants that can be accessed through www.fda.gov.ph.