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Health exec to pupils: Beware of junk food, magic sugar


A Health official has appealed anew to schoolchildren to avoid junk food and items containing Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an ingredient that may have potential harmful effects on health. National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Eric Tayag also reminded children to be wary of "palamig" (drinks) sold by ambulant vendors that may contain "magic sugar." Tayag said the Department of Health wants to make sure schoolchildren are safe from food items containing the potentially harmful ingredients, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported. On the other hand, he urged parents to cook nutritious "baon" for their children so they need not buy junk food or palamig from vendors outside the school. DEHP is a plasticizer that may have potential harmful effects on the reproductive system. Philippine health authorities ordered the pullout of at least 66 food products from Taiwan believed to be tainted with DEHP. Meanwhile, "magic sugar" is an artificial sweetener that may cause health risks such as cancer, and whose immediate symptoms include discomfort and dizziness. As early as August 2000, the then Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) issued an advisory that magic sugar is prohibited “due to evidence of its carcinogenicity in animals." “Neotogen or magic sugar is not registered with the BFAD. As such, the importation, distribution or sale of the product is illegal and subject to sanctions and penalties stipulated in the Foods, Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Act," it said.

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