The FDA said results of laboratory tests on samples of lambanog from the cities of Sta. Rosa and Calamba, and Luisiana town in Laguna province; Antipolo City in Rizal province; and Tarlac province showed these were positive for high levels of methanol, a prohibited additive in lambanog. “The bogus manufacturers just add a portion of highly concentrated methanol … we call ‘bating’ to produce the distinct lambanog aroma,” Mallari said. He said producers from Tayabas sell the distilled type of lambanog that passed government standards and safety tests. Mallari Distillers sell a gallon of genuine lambanog for P350, which is higher than the P100 per gallon price of illegal manufacturers.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 11, 2018 21:11 UTC