FDA should check safety of drinking lambanog —Duque

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III said on Wednesday the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should conduct an investigation on the safety of drinking Lambanog, following a series of reported deaths allegedly due to its intake.

"Mandato nila na tingnan at imbestigahan ang mga pangyayaring ito at siguraduhin na ito bang kanilang mga lambanog na kanilang ininom ay mga FDA approval," Duque said in an interview on GMA News TV's "Quick Response Team."

Lambanog is a Philippine wine made from coconut sap.

It was reported on Monday that four tricycle drivers in Novaliches died after drinking suspected contaminated lambanog.

Duque said alcohol poisoning is possible when the alcohol content of a beverage is very high.  

According to the Philippine National Standard, the minimum alcohol content of lambanog is 30 percent — much higher compared to the five to seven percent alcohol content of beer.

Duque noted that excessive drinking of alcohol is dangerous to health and may affect one's brain, liver, and pancreas.

Being drunk may also lead to fatal accidents, he warned.

He reminded the public to drink moderately, especially during this holiday season when parties abound. —Dona Magsino/ LDF, GMA News