Monday, 29 December 2008 20:17
THE Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) warned consumers on Monday against buying coco-sugar from non-PCA registered producers, saying some unscrupulous businessmen are selling as “pure coco-sugar” products made solely from sugar cane.
PCA Administrator Oscar Garin said consumers should buy coco-sugar only from PCA-registered producers with commodity clearance for microbial analysis from accredited private or public laboratories.
“This is certainly prejudicial to the promotion of coco-sugar as good for diabetics,” Garin said, as he deplored the practice of some producers-traders to maximize their profits to the detriment of the budding coconut sugar industry.
Garin assured that PCA’s field personnel will be extra vigilant in their areas of jurisdiction in monitoring coco-sugar production.
He also warned that appropriate legal action for unfair trade practices will be filed against perpetrators, including the imposition of administrative sanctions such as fines or cancellation of permits or licenses.
Coco-sugar is a coconut-based food product that has immense potential for growth because of its antidiabetes properties, such as its low glycemic index and its high nutritional content.
It was introduced in the local and foreign market three years ago. It is derived from the unopened flower of the coconut and obtained by evaporating the sweet toddy through careful boiling in open vessels then allowed to cool and solidify.
Research results revealed a low glycemic index of 35 that it is good for diabetics.
I know the PCA only wants to protect the thriving industry, but does PCA have any real authority over producers? It's not like the technology was invented by them and licensed to these producers, when its long been a traditional art for many asian countries.
If there's any agency who should go after these unethical businessmen, it's the local government with the DTI and/or the BFAD.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Some of you may find it surprising but the Philippine Coconut Authority has regulatory powers over the sale, processing and what-have-you for any coconut-based product in the Philippines, coco palm sugars included.