Warning out on borax-laced ‘sago’

The Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) warned the public yesterday against borax-laced sago or tapioca after it found two sago manufacturers in Bulacan using the chemical in their products.

The BFAD said sago samples from Pilexton Marketing and Bentex Marketing, both based in Obando, Bulacan, tested positive for borax. The two manufacturers supplied sago to at least three firms in Binondo, Manila.

The bureau issued cease-and-desist orders to the two sago makers last Jan. 19 and asked them to reply in 15 days, which was ignored.

Kenneth Hartigan-Go, BFAD deputy director, said they will also look into reports that sago makers in Valenzuela, Pasig, Quezon City, Tondo (Manila) and other areas in Bulacan are also reportedly using borax.

Go said local governments are duty-bound to order the erring manufacturers’ closure.

Borax, a combination of sodium borate and boric acid, is a disinfectant which the health department, in 1984, said should not be used as food additive because it accumulates in the body and causes fever, convulsions, coma, kidney malfunction, jaundice, anemia, hair loss (alopecia), blisters, low blood pressure, vomiting and diarrhea.

Use of borax as food additive violates DOH Administrative Order 88-A of 1984. BFAD said consumers can call 743-8301 local 2205 or 781-2516 for inquiries. — Ella Oducayen