HEALTH authorities continue to test the milk tea samples taken from the Ergo Cha Milk Tea Shop in Manila after initial test results showed that it was negative for toxic substances.
Two people have died after taking sips of the milk tea from the Ergo Cha Milk Tea Shop in Bustillos, Manila. The victims were Suzanne Dagohoy, a customer, and William Abrigo, the owner of the milk tea shop. The incident happened on Thursday, April 9. The victims died just a few minutes after tasting the milk tea.
Health Secretary Janette Garin said they would still do further tests and analysis from the milk tea samples ingested by the victims.
A statement from the Department of Health said that they would do further tests on the tissue, blood and gastric contents taken from the victims during autopsy. Dagohoy’s friend, Arnold Aydalla, also collapsed after sipping the milk tea. He was taken to the Philippine General Hospital where he is still being treated.
The FDA initially looked for traces of cyanide, arsenic, lead elements and nitrites, but will still do confirmatory tests for other toxins such as oxilic acid, organo phosphate and nitro benzene .
Health authorities admitted that doing further tests would prove to be a challenge because they only have a few samples left.
Meanwhile, the DOH warned the public to be extra cautious when buying drinks or food items.
The public should be alert if the food and drinks have an unusual smell and aftertaste.
Symptoms of food poisoning include stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhea. (Eagle News Service, translated from a report by Jerold Tagbo)
