Compliance to Food Safety Standards of Lambanog Producer in Batangas and Quezon Province
Date
7-2020
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management
College
College of Economics and Management (CEM)
Adviser/Committee Chair
Normito R. Zapata, Jr.
Committee Member
Normito R. Zapata, Jr., Jewel Joanna S. Cabardo, Melodee Marciana E. De Castro
Abstract
Lambanog also known as coconut vodka or distilled fermented coconut sap is famously produced in the Philippines mainly in the Southern Tagalog region, Laguna, Quezon and Batangas. However, in 2018, 2019, and 2020, multiple methanol-poisonings occurred due to the consumption of lambanog. This study aimed to discuss the food safety standards for lambanog, and the factors affecting the decision of lambanog producers on whether or not they will comply; this study also aimed to assess the current level of compliance of these lambanog producers.
Generally, this Special Problem Report aims to identify the benefits and barriers to complying with the food safety standards set by the Bureau of Product Standard (BPS) for distilled fermented coconut sap, specifically standard specifically the Philippine National Standard for Distilled Fermented Coconut Sap (Coconut Lambanog) [PNS/BAFPS 47:2011], for lambanog producers in the province of Batangas and Quezon, specifically, this study aims to assess the compliance of lambanog producers to the food safety standards. The research fulfilled this through its objectives: (1) present the sociodemographic and enterprise profile of the lambanog producers, (2) discuss the Philippine food safety standards that apply to lambanog products, (3) analyze the level of compliance of lambanog producers to Philippine food safety standards, (4) evaluate the benefits and barriers to compliance of lambanog producers, and (5) formulate recommendations to enhance the compliance of lambanog producers to the Philippine food safety standards.
The study interviewed 15 lambanog producers located in Batangas and Quezon province specifically in San Juan, Batangas and Tiaong, Candelaria, and Sariaya, Quezon. Data were mainly gathered through administering personal interviews; additional data and supporting information, however, were gathered from government agencies and institutions linked to the lambanog industry such as the PCA, DTI, and FDA.
An overview of the sociodemographic profile of the respondents and the enterprise was accomplished. The study found that the majority of the lambanog producers are male and married, living with their families with a household size ranging from five to eight. Some of the producers were able to finish a tertiary education, but majority were only able to finish high school and elementary school. It was observed that most producers have been in existence for more than 30 years, but two producers have been around for more than 50. The oldest producer has been around since the 1940s and has been in existence for about 80 years. Majority of the producers sourced their business knowledge from their families, but some learned through experience only. Furthermore, majority of the producers, based on their number of employees, are classified to be in the micro-scale. San Juan was the only municipality that had an association exclusive to lambanog producers, the San Juan Lambanog Association, in which all respondents interviewed are members of while some lambanog producers also opt to be members of exportation-related organizations like PHILEXPORT.
For the Philippine food safety standards that applies to lambanog, it was found that the official basis for the standard of production of lambanog issolely the PNS/BAFPS 47:2011 developed by the LGU of Tayabas, Quezon, DTI Region IV, and DTI-CITEM. This standard enumerated and discussed the standards to be complied with by lambanog producers. It has its four main sections that was mainly discussed in this study – the process (fermentation), essential composition and quality factors, packaging, and labeling.
Through interviews, it was determined that the producers’ leading drivers to compliance are the assurance of safety and quality in their products and registration while the leading barriers to compliance are money or financial capabilities, lack of support of the government towards the industry, and lack of knowledge and understanding of food safety. With that, it was found that only two (13.33%) producers were a hundred-percent compliant with the food safety standard for lambanog, and majority were only partially compliant.
The study concluded that lambanog producers must increase their level of compliance, and their understanding of food safety and food safety standards. It was also concluded that a new safety standard for lambanog must be established where the benefits and barriers gathered in this study may serve as a basis for a better, updated and more comprehensive safety standard for lambanog.
Therefore, it was recommended that government institutions conduct further investigations on food safety in the lambanog industry especially those linked to the methanol poisoning incidents in the recent years. It was also recommended that the government provide more support to the industry where the FDA can update the standard into becoming more comprehensive, detailed, and specific; and formal trainings and food safety-related seminars conducted by government institutions such as the FDA and NCHP.
Additionally, for lambanog producers, it was recommended that they attend formal trainings and food safety-related seminars to further their understanding of the importance of food safety and standards. Lastly, for consumers, it was recommended that they be more mindful of lambanog that they are purchasing, and be more vigilant with food safety issues in general to avoid food-borne illnesses.
For further studies, it was recommended that the location of study area be in areas where coconut plantations and lambanog producers are more concentrated. It was also recommended that further studies determine whether the benefits, barriers, opinions, and statements identified by the respondents in this study are representative of the larger population of lambanog producers.
Language
English
LC Subject
Food handling
Location
UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)
Call Number
LG 993 2020 M17 M35
Recommended Citation
Mallari, Margaret C., "Compliance to Food Safety Standards of Lambanog Producer in Batangas and Quezon Province" (2020). Undergraduate Theses. 10766.
https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/etd-undergrad/10766
Document Type
Thesis
