DOH, DA won’t allow formalin-tainted fish in PH

If there are allegations like that, we have the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture on top of it,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL FILE PHOTO

MANILA — Malacañang on Thursday assured that concerned government agencies are on top of the situation on the alleged formalin-tainted “galunggong” (round scad) from China.

“Kung may ganyan pong alegasyon meron naman po tayong Department of Health, meron tayong Department of Agriculture (If there are allegations like that, we have the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture on top of it),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing.

“I think the DA and the DOH have heard these allegations and I don’t think that the government will allow the entry of these tainted fish products,” he added.

DOH said it will conduct an investigation on the matter.

Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo said the agency has already instructed agents to verify reports regarding the use of formalin on frozen fish, meat products, fruits, and vegetables in wet markets.

Fisherfolk group Pamalakaya earlier warned the public about frozen fish from China, which are allegedly treated with formalin to keep them fresh.

Meanwhile, Roque said government continues to address concerns on the rising price of fish which include lowering tariffs on imported fish to regulate food prices.

“Nandun na po tayo sa punto na magkakaroon na ng desisyon kung gagamitin natin ang pag-aangkat at pagbababa ng taripa para sa mga produktong ito para maipababa ang presyo ng bilihing ito (We are at a point where there will be a decision on whether we will import fish and lower tariffs for these products),” Roque said

“Nagkaroon ng department order ang Department of Agriculture na pu-puwede nang mag-angkat ng ilang mga isda at puwede na ibenta sa merkado para mapababa ng presyo ng isda (The Department of Agriculture already has a department order to allow the importation of some fish that can be sold in the market at much lower prices),” he added.