DOH says vegetables, fruits covered with volcanic ash safe to eat but must be thoroughly washed

January 15, 2020

Vegetables and fruits covered by ash from the eruption of Taal Volcano are safe to eat provided that they are thoroughly washed, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday.

In a press briefing in Malacanang, Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo said unlike the fish from Taal Lake, there is no problem to eat these agricultural products even if they were covered with ash.

"There's no problem with that for as long as the vegetables and fruits covered with ash are washed. Just wash and clean thoroughly, those can be eaten," he said.

Domingo reminded the public not to eat fish from Taal Lake because it was not yet sure if they were safe for consumption.

"While we are not yet sure, might as well be cautious because we know that toxic substances have been thrown out of the volcano and they are dissolved in the water," he said, adding the toxins could be transferred to the person who would eat the fish.

He said the Department of Agriculture is making further tests on the fish. 

The Taal Volcano has shown phreatic explosions since Sunday, prompting the government to evacuate the residents from within the 14-kilometer danger zone. 

But some individuals have remained in the danger zone because they could not leave their animals and other property behind. Celerina Monte/DMS