On the Web: FDA Issues Soy Sauce Warning

Chemical in soy sauce found to be carcinogenic. But that doesn't mean you have to dump all of it.

In an interview by DZMM, an official of the Food and Drug Administration warned the public earlier today about tainted unlabeled soy sauce sold in tingi at wet markets. Some of the brand-less soy sauces were found to contain 3-MCPD or chlorodeoxyglycerol, a carcinogenic chemical.

According to the DOH-FDA advisory issued today, 3-MCPD is a by-product of soy sauce making. In the 1990s, this was found out to be carcinogenic and caused infertility among male rodents. After long term studies, various food agencies around the world imposed allowable limits of this chemical in soy, hoisin and oyster sauces starting 2002.

But wait! You don't have to throw out all the soy sauce in your pantry just yet. How do you make sure that the soy sauce you buy is safe? The FDA strongly discourages consumers from buying repackaged or unlabeled soy sauce. Opt for the branded products as these comply with international product safety standards.

So if your stash of soy sauce is properly labeled and made by trusted manufacturers, there's no need to worry. You can still enoy your sushi, sashimi, bistek tagalog, and adobo in peace.

Soy Sauce photo by Paul Preacher via SXC.hu

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