The public should be cautious in buying bagoong, a Philippine condiment made partially or completely of fermented fish or shrimp and salt, Negros Occidental Provincial Health Officer Ernell Tumimbang said Friday.

The Food and Drugs Administration recently found out that some bagoong from Cebu sent to their laboratory contained Rhodamine B, anon-permissible colorant used for floor wax.

FDA says that bagoong with this kind of chemical is still hazardous and may affect one’s liver, kidneys and red blood cells even if the bagoong is thoroughly cooked.

Tumimbang said it is better to buy bagoong from people one knows or make the delicacy at home.

The public should immediately give the bagoong they bought to the health authorities if they notice that it is too reddish, he said.

Tumimbang added that the public should be cautious in buying other preserved food because preservatives can activate carcinogenic cells that eventually lead to cancer.

Despite the recent findings of FDA with some bagoong being sold in Cebu, the Department of Health has not issued any advisory yet on the matter.*APN

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