FDA, cops raid source of lambanog in series of deaths in Laguna

Food and Drug Administration inspectors and policemen on Wednesday raided the source of the lambanog brand which figured in the deaths of several drinkers in Sta. Rosa and and Calamba, Laguna over the past weeks.

According to Mariz Umali's report on GMA News TV's Balita Pilipinas Ngayon on Thursday, the FDA found hundreds of plastic containers with lambanog, drums, isotank, and purifiers at the site.

The FDA has stopped the manufacturer of Bossing Tumador Lambanog from selling her wares pending investigation and tests.

"Masakit sa akin 'yun... Sino ba ang may gustong ang hanapbuhay ay masira at ang mga customer mo ay magkaganyan? Kung may nangyari man pong ganyan, talagang hindi ko po kagustuhan 'yan," she said.

The owner said the lambanog inside her containers could have been replaced by the retailers and resulted in the deaths.

Authorities are still investigating on the possibility of product alteration on the part of the retailers of the said brand.

The owner said her coconut wine business was complete with permits from the local government and other agencies, except for the FDA registration.

Her products have been in the market for six years and the company has never received any grievances, she added.

Bossing Tumador Lambanog products were being delivered in Laguna, Cavite, and Taytay. —Dona Magsino/NB, GMA News