FDA warns against flood-submerged products

MANILA, Philippines – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautioned the public on Wednesday, August 21, from buying and consuming flood water-damaged food products.

In an advisory, the FDA said that these damaged goods are often offered in discounted prices or in promotional schemes like “buy one take one” or “bundle-packed goods.” 

It ordered establishments to “immediately pull out” all damaged products from their shelves.

It also warned consumers against the poor storage and handling of food, medicine, and cosmetic products this rainy season. 

“Consumers should throw away all medicines, food, or water that were exposed, submerged or that had come in contact with flood water,” the FDA advised.

Contaminants

Flood waters are likely to contain contaminants that may be hazardous to one’s health and may cause diseases.

“Infection can be through ingestion of contaminated food and water, penetration of mucous or skin with cut or lesions, and possibly inhalation of aerosol, produced, for example, by playing in flood water,” FDA explained.

It added that septic tanks may overflow causing human feces and other excrements to contaminate flood waters. Heavy metals, fuel and other chemicals and pesticides may also spill from nearby industrial factories, hospitals or clinics, or farms.

Tips

The regulatory agency issued tips to prevent food and water-borne illnesses, as well as ingestion of flood water-contaminated medicines:

• If unsure about drinking water, boil drinking water for at least 10 minutes (note: time starts when water starts to boil).
• Do not refreeze food which has been thawed out. Throw away any defrosted food.
• To be on the safe side, remember that – if in doubt about a health product, throw it out.
• Food preparation surfaces, tables, plates, kitchen utensils, storage cupboards, and refrigerators, among others, should be washed  with soap and water thoroughly and disinfected with chlorine solution (bleaching agent for washing clothes).

Prohibited activities

The FDA reminded establishments of a standing prohibition on the sale or donation of products already damaged by the flood.

“Establishments are prohibited from selling, offering for sale or use, donating, transporting,  and moving or distributing flood water-damaged canned goods and other processed food products, medicines, and cosmetic products,” the FDA said.

Inspectors from the agency will be monitoring prohibited activities in relation to damaged health products. 

Drug outlets, groceries, and other establishments were ordered to cooperate with FDA inspectors.

The agency encourages the public to report non-compliant sellers by sending an e-mail to report@fda.gov.ph or calling 857-1900. – Rappler.com