BFAD hints at 2nd list of formalin-laced food items

After tagging a popular Chinese candy and two biscuit products as laced with formalin, authorities indicated Wednesday they will come out with a second list of laced items. Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) deputy director Joshua Ramos told dzRH radio that they are still conducting tests on other products from China for possible formalin content. "Opo, opo (Yes, yes)," he said when asked if the public can expect further bulletins from BFAD on more tainted products, but did not immediately say when the list will come out. The BFAD initially tagged the popular "White Rabbit" candy and two brands of biscuits from China as containing traces of formalin. Radio station dzBB reported that the BFAD already ordered distributors of the products to remove them from store shelves. But Ramos said admitted the issue about importation concerns not just the BFAD but should be an inter-agency concern. "Those selling biscuits that are practically smuggled, pwede sila magkakaroon ng pananagutan sa batas natin (There are storeowners selling biscuits that are practically smuggled. They can face charges)," he said. The dzBB report also said that as of Tuesday, some stores in Manila's Divisoria district continued to sell "White Rabbit" candies but no one bought them. Other storeowners admitted they were forced to remove the candies from their shelves and replace them with Filipino-made products. - GMANews.TV