CALASIAO–Makers of puto, considered as the “white gold” of this town, are hurting from the recent increase in the price of sugar, a main ingredient in making the popular rice cake.

Calasiao Puto Producers and Vendors Association president Rudy Dela Cruz said sugar price has increased from P2,800 per sack to P3,200, but the members have maintained the selling price of puto at P70 per kilo so as not to discourage buyers.

But Dela Cruz said the association agreed in their last meeting that if the sugar price increase continues, they will be forced to increase the puto price to P75 or P80 per kilo.

“MAGIC SUGAR”

Prior to the sugar price increase, there were reports that some puto vendors and producers were thinking of using the controversial “magic sugar” as substitute.

However, Dela Cruz stressed that the association will strictly monitor producers and will sanction those caught using “magic sugar” which poses hazard to human health.

He pointed out that the association has a set of guidelines or its members to follow to protect the industry and customers’ health.

He said they know that one mistake as a result of an irregular practice from among them could ruin the town’s entire puto industry.–Roselle Gale, Colegio de Dagupan

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