The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reiterated on Tuesday its warning against the consumption of unregistered lambanog or coconut vodka this holiday season.
In an advisory, the FDA cautioned the public against consumption of unregistered and unapproved processed food such as alcoholic beverages that are rampant around Christmas and New Year.
Among this, the agency noted, is lambanog, a traditional Filipino distilled palm liquor made from the distillation of naturally fermented tuba (sap) from palm trees.
Lambanog is well-known for having a strong alcohol concentration and can be used as a base liquor for various flavored spirits and cocktail creations.
Unregistered lambanog production is illegal in the Philippines under regulations by the FDA and the Department of Agriculture.
The FDA reminded consumers to only purchase lambanog that is properly sealed and made by companies registered with the FDA.
“Products not registered with the FDA may pose a risk to the health of the consuming public because they have not passed the agency’s review. Because of this, the quality and safety are not guaranteed by the FDA,” it pointed out.
“Lambanog, a traditional Filipino alcoholic drink, is one of those that may pose a risk to the health of Filipinos. Because lambanog that are not registered with the FDA may contain high levels of methanol.”
Several deaths still occur each year from methanod poisoning after drinking unregistered lambanog.
In December 2019, at least 23 people died and more than 300 were treated after drinking moonshine lambanog in Laguna and Quezon.
Also among the effects of drinking high levels of methanol in the body include: blindness, stomachache, vomiting, dizziness, headache, blurred vision and difficulty breathing.
Other effects may lead to seizure and comatose.
“Go to the nearest hospital immediately to get immediate treatment if you experience any of the said symptoms,” the FDA stressed.
To find FDA-registered health products, go to: https://verification.fda.gov.ph/Home.php.
For more information and questions, send an email to info@fda.gov.ph or call: Center for Food Regulation & Research (02) 857-1900.
Meanwhile, to report the sale or distribution of an alcohol product not registered with the FDA, email us at ereport@fda.gov.ph.