FDA gives tips on handling contaminated goods

MANILA, Philippines - With Metro Manila and nearby provinces still being battered by Tropical Storm Maring, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday gave out tips on how to handle food, medicine and cosmetic products contaminated by floodwater.

In an advisory, FDA cautioned that floodwaters are “most likely to contain physical, chemical and biological hazards to health.”

These include animal and human feces and other excrement, mainly from overflowing septic tanks and sewage system, and heavy metals, fuel and other chemicals and pesticides from nearby industrial factories, hospitals or clinic, or farms.

“It only takes a small amount of microbial pathogens to make people sick, which can manifest several days after exposure,” the FDA said.

These contaminants could be acquired through ingestion of contaminated food and water, penetration of mucous or skin with cuts or lesions and through inhalation.

The FDA noted that precautionary measures should be observed when handling food, medicine and cosmetic products that came in contact with contaminated floodwaters.

“To be on the safe side, remember – if in doubt about a product, throw it out,” the agency said.

The FDA said that it is prohibited to offer for sale, donate or distribute “floodwater-damaged canned goods and other processed food products, medicine, and cosmetic products.”

“All consumers are warned to never buy floodwater-damaged food products, including canned goods as discounted foods or offered in promotional schemes or marketing gimmicks,” it added.