Baguio: The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Cordillera region has assured that sayote grown here is safe and free from preservatives. The statement came after a social media post alleged that sayote from Baguio is infused with formalin to prolong its freshness.

According to Philippines News Agency, the department firmly denied this allegation, stating in a social media post that no formalin or any harmful substance is applied to Baguio sayote. They emphasized that sayote is a naturally hardy vegetable that can last up to one month at room temperature when freshly harvested, particularly under the cool climate of the Cordillera region.

DA-Cordillera Director Jennilyn Dawayan, in a separate message to the Philippine News Agency, explained that sayote has natural longevity compared to other vegetables due to its firm structure and relatively low moisture on the surface. She also cited the region's high elevation, fertile soil, and cool weather as natural factors that allow the vegetable to thrive even without the need for chemicals.

Dawayan also said that based on their monitoring, there are no known reports or practices involving the use of preservatives, like formalin, on vegetables by farmers before delivery. The department urged the public to be wary of misleading content online.

'Your vegetables from (the Cordillera region) are produced under strict safety protocols and ongoing monitoring, making them safe and of high quality for consumption,' it added.