Banned alcohol products still sold in Caraga?

BUTUAN CITY — Banned methanol and ethyl acetate alcohol products prohibited by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) because of its harmful effect on public health are reportedly being sold in some stores in Caraga region.

This was observed by some concerned residents and consumers groups after the DOH and the BFAD central offices issued a public announcement last July 13 prohibiting distribution, selling and the use of methanol and ethyl acetate-laced alcohol products bearing different brand names.

DOH and BFAD also issued a product recall order for the defective alcohol products.

"But despite warnings that probably did not reach far flung areas in the region, the said alcohol products were still being sold in some stores even in the cities," says Beverly del Valle, of Hugpong sa mga Tinuod ug Nagpakabanang Konsumador sa Caraga.   

According to the DOH, when absorbed through the skin or inhaled, methanol may lead to metabolic acidosis accompanied by rapid, shallow breathing, visual disturbances which often proceed to irreversible blindness and severe abdominal pain.

It was not, however, reported if the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), an agency tasked to monitor basic commodity products in the market and the Philippine National Police (PNP) were informed of the warnings.