The Department of Agriculture (DA) refuted the health and environment-related assertions by the National Organic Coalition (NOC) against carrageenan and argued that the substance was an irreplaceable, allowable ingredient. DA justified that the coalition’s claims are based on inconclusive scientific arguments and are mere extrapolations of findings derived from flawed research and misinformed perceptions of the state of seaweed production in the country. “The decision will surely benefit the lives of some three million seaweed farmers in the ASEAN region and will further promote trade in carrageenan from among ASEAN member states,” Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said.

Simeon, L. M. (2018, April 22). US reinstates imports of Phl seaweed products. The Philippine Star, p. B4.