Reports of a U.S. import alert on popular Filipino condiments like banana ketchup, lechon sauce, and bagoong have led to panic buying among Filipino communities in the United States, leaving some store shelves bare and causing a temporary shortage. Filipino expatriates across California and Nevada are stocking up amid concerns about future availability.
Elaine V., a Filipina living in both San Francisco and Las Vegas, shared in a Manila Bulletin report her discovery of empty shelves at a local Seafood City store, saying, “People are panic buying for these items.” Joan G., another Filipina visiting Manila from Duarte, California, reported hoarding supplies to bring back to the U.S., likening her luggage to a small “sari-sari store.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Import Alert No. 99-45 on October 25, 2024, to detain products flagged for containing potentially harmful food additives such as Benzoate and BHA. Despite initial rumors, the alert does not constitute an outright ban but is classified as a “Detention Without Physical Examination,” where specific products are flagged at the border for further review.
The FDA’s alert highlights concerns about certain preservatives like Sodium Benzoate and TBHQ, which may affect consumer health. It also applies broadly to mislabeled or misbranded items from several countries, including the Philippines.
In response, some U.S. store owners have raised prices significantly, with small bottles of banana ketchup reportedly selling for up to $20. Filipino expats are advised to monitor future FDA updates as manufacturers work to adjust ingredients and bring their products back into compliance.
