DOH checking reported pistachio contamination

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday said it will look into the US Food and Drug Administration's recent warning against pistachio consumption amid reports of possible salmonella contamination. In an interview over radio dzBB, Dr. Eric Tayag of the DOH's National Epidimiology Center said they will check with the International Food Safety Authority Network to see the FDA's official report on the matter. Tayag said they will also coordinate with the Bureau of Food and Drug Administration to see what appropriate steps the two government bodies can take in response to the US FDA's warning. "Makikipag-ugnayan kami sa BFAD at baka may official transmittal na rin po yung US FDA. Meron ho tayong tinatawag na International Food Safety Authority Network kung saan nagkakaalaman yung mga bansa para po makakilos agad," said Tayag. [We will coordinate with the BFAD and see whether the US FDA has sent an official transmittal. There is an International Food Safety Authority Network wherein countries are informed of the latest developments so we can act accordingly.] Earlier, the US FDA said consumers should stop eating all foods containing pistachios while they attempt to find the source of the possible salmonella contamination. The warning came after Kraft Foods Inc. told the US FDA that it had detected salmonella in roasted pistachios through routine product testing. The finding prompted some groceries and pistachio producers to pull out their products. The report on possible salmonella contamination in pistachios came on the heels of salmonella contamination in some peanut butter brands. In the Philippines last week, two peanut butter products manufactured by Samuya Food Manufacturing Inc. tested positive for two types of salmonella. Ludy’s Sweet and Creamy Peanut Butter and Yummy Sweet and Creamy Peanut Butter were found positive for Salmonella hvittinfoss and senftenberg, respectively. The DOH has since ordered the pullout of the products from the market, along with seven other Samuya products. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV