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.
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,” said Domingo during a radio interview Wednesday.
“Kahit maliit na amount, maaring s’yang mag-cause ng cancer later in life. Mahigpit po na ipinagbabawal ang paglalagay ng formalin sa kahit anong kakainin,” he added.
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 to food vendors if found selling products contaminated with formalin.
