According to the Department of Health – Bureau of Food and Drugs, several imported Chinese food products they recently tested were found positive for formaldehyde (a.k.a. formalin, a disinfectant and preservative commonly used in embalming, can cause cancer, specifically lung cancer). Among the products found to be laced with formalin are White Rabbit Creamy Candies, which have been a staple treat to many a Filipino for generations.

NOW they tell us!

white-rabbit-formalin.jpg

The Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) on Tuesday ordered the pullout of four Chinese products from the market after testing positive for formalin.Deputy Director Joshua Ramos said distributors of the White Rabbit creamy candy, Milk Candy, Bairong grape biscuits and Yong Kang Foods Grape Biscuit had been given 15 to 30 days to pull out their products.

Ramos said BFAD tests discovered that the four products contained formaldehyde or formalin.

He also advised consumers of the products to call BFAD’s hotline 842-5606 to report if they are feeling sick after eating any of the products. [ABS-CBN Interactive]

Well, unless formalin is a recent addition to the recipe for White Rabbit candy, I’ve been stuffing myself with that candy since grade school and I feel fine. Hmm. Then again maybe it could also be why I’m like this.

Incidentally, you can purchase White Rabbit candies online from Amazon.com! Formalin as an added bonus, absolutely free of charge. A package deal? Sweet!

More info at:
‘White Rabbit’ candy, 3 Chinese products laced with formalin [ABS-CBN Interactive]
DOH-BFAD warns public vs Chinese products with formaldehyde [OFW.Balita.Ph]
BFAD orders Chinese candy, food products withdrawn [Inquirer.net]
BFAD tests include food, cosmetic items [Inquirer.net]