FDA finds high levels of methanol in lambanog that downed dozens in Laguna

The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday confirmed that the lambanog samples that killed 11 people in Rizal, Laguna have tested positive for high levels of methanol.

According to Chino Gaston's report on "24 Oras," five out of seven samples the FDA collected from Rey Lambanog, Emma’s Lambanog store and Orlando Mapa Store contained 11.4% to 18.2% methanol.

"I think the tests confirm na talagang aside of course from the clinic history and presentation of the patients saka lab results nila itong nakita nating mataas na methanol content noong lambanog would corroborate the clinic impression na talagang methonal poisoning ang nangyari," FDA officer-in-charge Eric Domingo said.

Domingo added that amounts to more than the accepted 1% by the FDA and is already considered toxic.

Domingo also said drinking 30 milliliters of methanol may lead to death and absorption through the skin may also lead to toxic effects since it becomes formic acid and formaldehyde in the liver.

The death toll due to lambanog consumption rose to 11 in Rizal, while four died in Quezon Province.

Meanwhile, hundreds remained confined at different hospitals including the Philippine General Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, Rizal Medical Center, Quirino Medical Center and Batangas Medical Center. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News