FDA warns vs proliferation of expired processed food

MANILA, Philippines - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning against the proliferation of expired processed food in the market this Yuletide season.

The stale foodstuff sold in retail establishments includes staple goods.

“Recent reports had reached the FDA that some retail establishments or individuals are unscrupulously selling, offering for sale and distributing expired pre-packaged or processed food including daily products,” FDA director Nazarita Tacandong said in an advisory.

Tacandong said demand for packed and processed food, as well as dairy products, spike during the holiday season, making the public vulnerable to products past its sell-by date.

“As the holiday season nears, there is an influx of demand by the consuming public for pre-packed or processed food and dairy products,” Tacandong said.

“The safety and quality of these (expired) products are already compromised,” she added. 

Tacandong advised the public to be very careful when buying processed food.

Republic Act 9711 or the Food and Drugs Administration Act of 2009 prohibits selling products beyond its expiry date.

“Thus, any knowledge or information of establishment or person selling any expired products must be reported immediately to the FDA for immediate action,” Tacandong said.