Manila, Philippines – The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) announced on Friday, June 7, the banning of 15 products contaminated with maleic acid, a substance used in making synthetic resins.

“Maleic acid is not an approved additive for manufacturing food products.  Long term consumption of high levels of maleic acid could harm the kidney,” Go said.

Synthetic resins are used to manufacture plastic and automotive parts.

FDA acting director Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go said the following products are not registered with the FDA for selling in the country:

1. Hong Tapioca Starch
2. Redman Black Tapioca Pearl
3. Sun Right Indica Rice Powder
4. Top 1 Tapioca Pearls
5. Tea World Tapioca Starch Ball
6. Unbranded Starch Ball
7. Ding Long Tapioca Pearls
8. Sun Chi Noodles
9. T & M Resources Corp Tapioca Pearls
10. Pure Tea Tapioca Pearls (White)
11. Pure Tea Tapioca Pearls (Black)
12. Full Free Green Tea Tapioca Ball
13. Full Free Yam Tapioca Ball
14. Long Kow Vegetarian Instant Rice Noodle
15. Long Kow Rice Noodle with Thick Soup

Republic Act 9711 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines prohibits the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer, non-consumer use, promotion, advertising or sponsorship of any health product that is adulterated, unregistered or misbranded.

Products contaminated with maleic acid are considered illegal.

Singapore’s Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) tested and reported the contaminated products. 

Until an FDA-licensed food establishment with proper testing of presence or absence of maleic acid to the said products registers the products, the ban will remain in effect, said Go.

In 2011, the FDA had issued a recall order of some food products from Taiwan after authorities revealed they have been illegally added with high doses of plasticizers. 

The recall order had been lifted January of this year. 

“The FDA shall continue to monitor the entry of food products from Taiwan in the Philippine market. All consumers are advised to buy and consume products that are registered with the FDA. All registered food products are listed in the FDA website -www.http://fda.gov.ph,” the advisory showed. – Rappler.com