PNRI director: Something synthetic is not necessarily bad

The director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) on Friday said synthetic acetic acid is not that bad, but products made from this must be properly labeled.

"Something synthetic is not necessarily bad pero dapat sabihin mo, magpakatotoo ka," Dr. Carlo Arcilla said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

"Okay lang sana kung naka-label na synthetic. Wala naman kasing masama per se doon sa tinatawag na synthetic kasi kung puro pong synthetic acid 'yan, wala naman chemical distinction doon between the fermented part. Pero 'yun nga, ang truth in labeling dapat nakalagay," he added.

Arcilla said it is up to the consumers if they will still purchase products that were made from synthetic acetic acid.

"'Yung tao na magdesisyon saka si FDA (Food and Drug Administration)... bahala na 'yung tao bumili kung gusto mo ba natural o hindi," he said.

The PNRI earlier conducted a test where 15 out of the 17 vinegar variants they inspected were found to have artificial matter.

It will also test soy sauce and fish sauce brands to ensure that they were produced with standard production processes.

The PNRI said it will use advanced nuclear technology to determine if these condiments contained synthetic ingredients.

Arcilla said PNRI would also test honey.

"May gagawin din kaming ibang test like sa honey," he said. "Mati-test din po." —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News