FDA to investigate alleged distributors of coconut wine that caused deaths

December 11, 2018

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to file charges against individuals identified as the source of “lambanog” or coconut wine that caused deaths.

In a statement Tuesday, the FDA said they want to hold liable those distributing 'lambanog' products found to have high levels of methanol.

To note, a total of 21 people were found to have died since May.

“FDA will be filing cases against the identified peddlers of these unregistered, out of specs, and/or adulterated alcoholic beverages,” said the FDA.

“We will be coordinating with other law enforcement services, for the filing of the appropriate criminal cases against the perpetrators – especially those involved or connected with the deaths allegedly caused by these unregistered products,” it said.

FDA laboratory tests of the sample lambanog products from Luisiana, Sta. Rosa and Calamba, Laguna; Antipolo City; and Tarlac, were tested positive for high levels of methanol. DMS