'Lato-lato' sale should be stopped since it has no FDA certification —DTI

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the sale of the popular toy "lato-lato" should be stopped as it has yet to secure proper documentation from the concerned government agency.

A report by GMA Integrated News' Nico Waje on Unang Balita on Tuesday said the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to issue a certificate of product notification (CPN) on "lato-lato."

"Hindi siya dapat nabebenta, hindi siya dabat nakikita. And I'm sure the FDA is also moving on this, nagi-enforce din sila na alisin sa market 'yung produkto dahil wala ngang CPN. Tutulungan lang natin sila," said DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo.

(It shouldn't be sold, it shouldn't be seen in stores. And I'm sure the FDA is also moving on this. We will help them.)

Castelo said since "lato-lato" has yet to be given a CPN, there is no certainty that the materials used in manufacturing the product are safe.

"Pero 'yung material na ginagamit doon sa laruan na iyon, hindi naman na-test ng FDA. So 'yung chemical compounds that are included in the plastic formulation na gamit hindi natin alam kung may hazardous substances siya like lead content," she said.

"Kailangan talagang dumaan muna sa mas masusing pagsusuri ng FDA," Castelo added.

(The materials used for the product have yet to be tested by the FDA. So we do not know if there are hazardous substances like lead content in the chemical compounds that are included in the product's plastic formulation. The product really needs to be tested.)

In Divisoria, "lato-lato" is sold at P40 to P100 each depending on the size and quality. Unlike other toys, it has no label on its plastic packaging.

"Lato-lato" sellers interviewed by GMA Integrated News said they are appealing to their supplies to put labels on the toy product. —KBK, GMA Integrated News