Consumer groups call 39 FDA-banned food products to be removed from all shop shelves to prevent food- poisoning and other health problems

They also called for Rakhine health department to block the manufacturing of FDA -listed harmful products poisoning

Narinjara News, April 27, 2023

The FDA ( The Food and Drug Administration) has issued a warning regarding 39 food products that should not be consumed, including products manufactured in Rakhine State such as Lion King brand chili sauce, as well as other brands like New Choice peach fruit wrap, ABC (Rainbow) strawberry drink, Sunlight brand Cola sugary drink, and Lucky Tiger brand chili sauce.

The distribution and sale of food products that have been banned by the FDA in Myanmar but these items are still being distributed and sold in the Rakhine State market, locals said. Local health activists say it is an urgent priority that more effective measures and regulations are implemented, to prevent banned products from being sold or distributed in the region.

Ma Aye Aye Naing, who serves as the chairperson of Ann Township’s Young Generation Network, has emphasized the importance of punishing the manufacturers, who are the

main source of distribution and sales of these banned food products, in order to effectively ban their distribution and sale according to the law.

She told Narinjara, “Despite being banned by the FDA, many people are still consuming these food products, either unknowingly or not taking the warning seriously. To effectively address the distribution and sale of prohibited foods, it is crucial to target the manufacturers. As long as there are still producers and sellers, banned foods will continue to reach the public, leading to cases of food poisoning. Therefore the focus should be on holding the manufacturers accountable, to prevent these items from circulating in the market and endangering the public’s health.”

The list of prohibited food products comprises those containing an excessive amount of harmful chemicals like Benzoic acid and Sodium Cyclamate, unfit dyes such as Rhodamine B and Orange II, Residual SO2, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Auramine O compounds, or those that do not comply with microbiological standards. 

“Still many people consume FDA-banned food products including children, due to a lack of knowledge regarding the potential risks, and if the issue is not addressed soon the threat to public health is likely to get far worse over time”. she added.

 The short-term effects of consuming these tainted foods may include diarrhea, while in the long term, they may pose serious health risks such as cancer, kidney and stomach problems.. 

Ko Lin Lin, the chairman of the Myittar Yaung Chi Blood Donors Association, a social organization based in Sittwe Township, emphasized the need for the authorities to take

strong action to prevent future incidents of distribution and sale of FDA-banned food products. He noted that such incidents may occur because consumers are not aware of prohibition notices or are experiencing financial difficulties, forcing them to choose cheaper food items despite potential risks. 

“While manufacturers and sellers continue to produce and offer foods for sale, there will always be consumers. However, these food items may harm people’s health. Some people purchase and consume them without realizing the potential harm they pose, while others may feel compelled to opt for cheaper options due to financial constraints. We firmly believe that the government must take full responsibility for addressing this issue and finding a solution that protects the public’s health”, he said.

According to a food vendor in Sittwe, he is aware that some food products are prohibited by the FDA, but he continues to sell them due to customer demand. He also criticized the FDA for conducting only superficial inspections of the market to identify banned food products, while failing to take appropriate measures to prevent their distribution.

“Although I am aware that some products are listed as prohibited by the FDA, I still sell them in my shop because customers continue to inquire about and purchase them. Other shops are also selling these items. When authorities conduct inspections, they confiscate any banned products they find, but they do not seem to take more significant actions. I believe that stricter measures should be implemented to halt the production of such goods altogether”, he suggested.

Narinjara has attempted to obtain comments from the Rakhine State Department of Consumer Affairs regarding the matter. However the department has not provided any comments for Narinjara to report.

Photo Caption - FDA officials conducting investigations in the market.