The country’s two leading vinegar brands, Datu Puti Vinegar and Silver Swan Sukang Puti (white vinegar), recently received certifications from the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) that their products are not blended with synthetic acetic acid from fossil fuel-derivatives and are safe for consumption.
The PNRI is a government agency under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Vinegar samples from Datu Puti and Silver Swan were tested for the presence of Carbon 14 (14C), a compound found in living organisms. Both brands passed the test, registering high values of Carbon 14, which according to PNRI’s historical data is the activity value in biogenic acetic acid – a clear indication that they undergo a natural fermentation process.
As part of its efforts to improve the standards of its consumer products, Datu Puti and Silver Swan have been subjecting its products to PNRI testing since 2001.
“Quality and safety have always been our top priorities. We constantly ensure product excellence across our range of products so that Filipino consumers can be confident of their purchase,” brand officials said.
The release of the recent test results comes on the heels of an earlier announcement by the DOST in early May this year of a study that eight out of 10 vinegar products in the local market are “fake” and contain petroleum-based synthetic acetic acid.
Datu Puti and Silver Swan officials also added that they are “one with the government in ensuring food safety for the Filipino consuming public,” and further commending the DOST-PNRI and the FDA for enforcing the standards and elevating the quality of vinegar available in the market.
Datu Puti Vinegar and Silver Swan, vinegar brands of NutriAsia and First PGMC, are approved by and registered with the Food and Drug Administration(FDA), while NutriAsia’s manufacturing plants have been certified for product safety compliance.
