Lambanog makers to face raps

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will file charges against the sources of lambanog or coconut wine that caused the deaths and hospitalization of several individuals in some parts of the country.

In a statement, the FDA said the individuals that supplied the lambanog should be held liable for the products found to have high levels of methanol, a substance produced by hydrogenation of carbon monoxide.

“The FDA will be filing cases against the identified peddlers of these unregistered, out of specs and/or adulterated alcoholic beverages... especially those involved or connected with the deaths allegedly caused by these unregistered products,” the statement reads.

Since May, the agency had documented 44 cases of lambanog poisoning in Capaz, Tarlac; Santa Rosa, Luisiana, Calamba and Calauan in Laguna; Antipolo City in Rizal; and Novaliches in Quezon City. Of the number, 21 have died. 

The FDA found that the level of methanol in the samples collected ranged from 6.5 percent to 21.8 percent. It is now coordinating with law enforcement agencies to build up the cases against those who maybe found liable.

It added that its regional field offices and agents of regulatory enforcement units (REU) are now on “heightened post-marketing surveillance” to monitor products “to prevent further injury and loss of life.”