The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has ordered the recall of canned goods previously given to Oriental Mindoro residents affected by the recent oil spill from sunken motor tanker Princess Empress.
The said canned goods were among the items included in food packs given as assistance to affected residents, according to a report by Bam Alegre on Unang Balita on Monday based on information gathered by GMA Regional TV Balitang Southern Tagalog.
This was after some of those who received the food packs said the canned tuna looked and tasted different.
The tuna was allegedly salty, and a cat even threw up after eating it.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian ordered the department’s Central Office to coordinate with the supplier and study the agency’s possible next action.
The DSWD however said the items in the food packs are not yet expired.
A city mayor meanwhile has ordered a halt to the distribution of the remaining food packs from DSWD.
The MT Princess Empress sank in the waters of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on February 28 while carrying 900,000 liters of industrial fuel. —KG, GMA Integrated News
