MANILA, Philippines—The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) reported Wednesday that at least five of the seven lambanog (coconut wine) samples collected from several sellers in Rizal town, Laguna tested positive for high levels of methanol amid reports of poisoning in at least three neighboring provinces. ADVERTISEMENTFood and Drugs Administration Officer in Charge and Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo said the five samples, collected on Dec. 23, contained 11.4 percent to 18.2 percent methanol. “Very low levels of methanol may be present in alcoholic beverages provided they are byproducts of natural fermentation. The high levels found in the samples make them toxic,” Domingo said in a statement. The FDA said the samples that tested positive of high levels of methanol were collected from Rey Lambanog, Emma’s Lambanog store, and Orlando Mapa store.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 25, 2019 00:56 UTC