FDA finds molds in chewable candy
SAN CARLOS FOOD POISONING
LINGAYEN– The Food and Drug Administration-Center for Food Regulation and Research (CFRR) said it found molds in the sampled chewable candy, suspected as the culprit behind the food poisoning of over a hundred school children in San Carlos City, Pangasinan.
According to the CFRR Alert Reporting System (CARES) report of the FDA as relayed by Purisima Lozano, Food and Drug Regulation Officer III of FDA Region 1, the “Mentos” candy sample, upon inspection, was “found with molds, melted, and with damaged packaging.”
Lozano, speaking before the provincial board during the Question Hour last August 3, also reported that the “traceability information like lot number and expiration date” of the product was removed.
PPH chief of hospital, Dr. Policarpio Manuel, however said, the report identifying the microorganism found present in the gum is still being awaited.
The FDA report noted, the “sample is not fit for microbiological analysis since product is expired and is not in good quality.”
The FDA then said it will issue an advisory to warn the public from buying expired Mentos candy.
It will be recalled that last July 2, 111 pupils were rushed at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) and six students at the Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation Medical Center, both in San Carlos City, due to food poisoning allegedly caused by Mentos Fruity Fresh 3D-Layers candy.
According to City Health Officer Dr. Edwin Guinto, the patients, all students of Guelew Integrated School in San Carlos City, reportedly manifested signs and symptoms of dizziness, abdominal pain, headache, and vomiting about an hour after eating Mentos chewing gum bought from a store located in front of the school.
The age range of victims was from seven to 16 years old, 58 girls and 59 boys.
Dr. Manuel, said 62 were admitted while 49 were just checked. No fatality was recorded. (Johanne Macob)
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