PNRI refuses to name vinegars found to be made from synthetic acetic acid

The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) has refused to name any of up to 15 vinegar brands that it found were made from synthetic acetic acid.

The agency under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) had announced earlier results of their recent study which found that 15 out of 17 vinegar brands being sold at major supermarkets in the country were made from synthetic acetic acid.

Raymond Sucgang, head researcher of the PNRI's Nuclear Analytical Techniques Application System, had stressed in a report on GMA News' 24 Oras on Friday that vinegar should come from the fermentation of natural ingredients to be safe for consumption.

At the same time, Sucgang expressed concern that synthetic acetic acid, being a by-product of petroleum, could cause various diseases including cancer.

"If you consume this because it is synthetic material in the process of synthesis, there are impurities na nandoon, and these impurities, according to mga journals, these can cause cancer and degenerative diseases like Parkinson's," he said.

According to an update from GMA News' Maki Pulido on Saturday, Sucgang explained they were prohibited by law to identify any product brands.

Nevertheless, the PNRI has submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) a copy of the results of their research.

The PNRI also said the FDA will coordinate with the manufacturers, as well as conduct monitoring to ensure that consumers are protected. —Margaret Claire Layug/KG, GMA News