MANILA – Galunggong prices declined in recent weeks as consumers steered clear of the fish due to formalin scare.
In a report on GMA News’ “24 Oras,” fish vendor Arlene Carabuena said that from P180 per kilogram in the last week of August, the price of galunggong (round scad) has declined to P120 to P140 per kg, depending on the size.
The suggested retail price of galunggong is P140 per kilogram.
“Dati ang mahal … P140 ang puhunan. Ngayong, medyo mababa, namumuhunan na kami ng P110 to P120,” Carabuena said.
Last month, the Agriculture department announced plans to import 17,000 metric tons of galunggong to bring down fish prices.
Such move, however, drew flak since it was viewed as a local industry killer by fisherfolk groups. Worse, the Department of Health subsequently warned against eating imported galunggong from China since they are allegedly tainted with formalin.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has since belied such allegations, citing test results.
“No formalin was injected in the samples of galunggong (Round scad) collected from Balintawak Market, Cubao Farmer’s Market, and Navotas Fish Port on Aug. 22,” the bureau said.
The Agriculture department said it will push through with the importation.
“‘Yung sa presyo, reaksyon lang dahil sa formalin scare. Lean months ang October to February, tapos closed fishing season pa tayo. So we are anticipating ang kakulangan ng suplay,” national director Eduardo Gongona of BFAR said.
As this developed, a batch of galunggong was brought to BFAR Monday morning for examination.
The batch of fish examined by BFAR last month showed a certain level of formalin, but such amount was naturally produced by the fish when it dies.
“‘Di tayo titigil sa random sampling. Kung contaminated with chemicals na nakakasira, pauuwiin na natin siya sa pinanggalingan niya,” Gongona said. (GMA News)
