Salmonella eyed in durian candy poisoning in Surigao del Sur

The Food and Drug Administration in looking into the possibility of microbial contamination in the case of the durian and mangosteen candies that has poisoned nearly 2,000 people, including children, in Surigao del Sur.

A report on Balita Pilipinas on Monday said the FDA based this on the symptoms that the victims experienced, which included diarrhea, dizziness, and stomachache.

"Microbiological test 'yung una naming tinarget dito... possibility of the microbial contamination, baka may salmonella o E.coli (Escherichia coli)," FDA deputy director Dr. Ma. Lourdes Santiago said in a press briefing.

The FDA will release the results of the test on the candies on Wednesday.

The Balita Pilipinas report said the other angle the FDA is looking into is the careless preparation of the product.

Two manufacturers are currently being investigated by authorities. One of them was ordered closed because it did not have permit from the FDA.

Five of the eight suspects in selling the candies faced inquest proceedings on Monday and will be slapped with three charges in violation of:

* Food Safety Act,
* Consumer Act, and
* Physical Injuries in relation to Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

One of them was released because authorities said he couldn't be treated as a suspect, while six others remain at large, the Balita Pilipinas report said.

Meanwhile, one of the suspects, Henryto Bitco said they only sold the candies for their school expenses, adding that they did not know they were expired.

He said they have been selling these candies for two years, ordering from a manufacturer, then repacking them.

"Gusto ko lang pong sabihin sa mga bata at sa mga magulang na ako po'y humihingi sa inyo ng tawad. Hindi ko po alam na may poison 'yung mga candy," Bitco told GMA News.

Investigation is still ongoing, as hospitals across Caraga region remain under white alert. —Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/NB, GMA News