59 products from China undergo BFAD tests

The Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) is currently testing 59 products from China for the presence of the carcinogenic preservative formaldehyde amid consumer warnings issued by the Department of Health. QTV television's Live on Q reported that the BFAD is currently awaiting word from the Chinese government as to what other products may be contaminated. Joshua Ramos, BFAD deputy director, said the 59 products being tested fall under three categories. The television report quoted Ramos as saying that the categories are: basic necessity commodities that are purchased everyday; products that appeal to the poor; and products that are popular among the youth. No brand names were mentioned. A total of 618 Chinese products are registered under the BFAD. Last week, the Department of Health (DOH) warned against the possible health risks of imported Chinese products. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III advised consumers to look for the BFAD seal before buying the items. He even urged consumers to patronize Filipino-made food products in the meantime. Aside from formaldehyde, the Chinese authorities have detected illegal dyes and industrial wax in a number of potentially hazardous food products. About 200 factories have been recently shut down following a crackdown by the Chinese government. Duque had also said a shipment of "biscuits and flour-based products" from China were recently seized by customs agents. The Associated Press had quoted Chinese media as saying that formaldehyde, illegal dyes, and industrial wax were found being used to make candy, pickles, crackers and seafood. US health officials earlier said they were detaining three types of Chinese fish — catfish, basa and dace — as well as shrimp and eel after repeated testing turned up contamination with drugs unapproved in the United States for use in farmed seafood. Beyond the fish, American federal regulators have recently warned consumers about lead paint in toy trains, defective tires, and toothpaste made with diethylene glycol, a toxic ingredient more commonly found in antifreeze. All the products were imported from China. - with a report from AP, GMANews.TV