Health Risk! DOH/FDA Should Investigate Preservatives In Imported Carrots

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must conduct a random testing of smuggled or imported vegetables sold in the local markets for traces of preservatives.

This was the recommendation that I and fellow Senatorial Candidate Dr. Menguita Padilla presented to Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senator Panfilo Lacson this week.

The Senate is currently conducting an investigation into the flooding of smuggled Carrots and other vegetables from China.

I volunteered the information supported by Dr. Padilla that imported vegetables have longer shelf life that those produced locally.

Carrots from China, for example look shinier and fresher even after being displayed for several days.

There had been persistent reports in the past that many perishable food products are laced with formalin for longer shelf life.

Dr. Padilla said that if this is verified, it could cause health problems for Filipino consumers.

Senators Sotto and Lacson promised to take up the issue in the next hearing on vegetable smuggling.

#LocalVegetablesSafer!