Lambanog maker drinks own product to show it is safe to consume

The owner of Jimmy's Lambanog is assuring the public of the safety of her product amid the recent deaths associated with the drink.

A report on Unang Balita by GMA News' Chino Gaston on Wednesday showed Leonisa Iyas drinking a sample of her own product to prove that it is safe for public consumption.

“Ito pong aking lambanog ay safe na safe,” Iyas said. “Ako po ang unang mamamatay kung talagang nakakamatay.”

According to Iyas, her distillery in San Juan, Batangas, has undergone complete laboratory testing and has been granted with a certification by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Jimmy’s Lambanog was reportedly the brand of lambanog drank by three people in Pandi, Bulacan, who later died.

Iyas said the lambanog in Pandi was not their product and must be fake as they don’t use white containers. She said some businesses would imitate their product and use their brand sticker to sell.

“Ako po ay nananawagan sa lahat ng aking customer na huwag kayong mag-alala, huwag kayong matatakot at safe naman po itong ating produkto. Approved po ito ng FDA,” Iyas said.

In Barangay Pook in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, barangay officials already warned the stores against dangerous lambanog following the reports of deaths allegedly due to the consumption of the liquor.

Meanwhile, in Calamba, where seven died after drinking lambanog, the city health office warned residents against  brands of liquor that are not registered with the FDA.

Reports on deaths have affected the lambanog industry in Quezon, Batangas and Laguna. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News