Some sweet, chilled beverages or, “samalamig,” in Tondo were found to be contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Reports said a study conducted by the University of the Philippines Manila from 2024 to 2025 found that nine stalls operated by “samalamig” vendors in the Manila district harbored antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
Dr. Geraldine Dayrit, an associate professor at the university and lead researcher of the study, said they found bacterial contamination in the beverages that exceeded the standards set by the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines.
“Thousands ng mikrobyo ang nakita po natin,” she said in an interview.
“Nakakatakot po na may ganyang presensya,” Dayrit added, noting that the public consumes such beverages, especially this warm and dry season.
“Pagka-nagkasakit po siya, at bibigyan po siya, reresetahan siya ng doktor ng karaniwang antibiotics, hindi na po magiging effective. So kailangan po mas mataas na antibiotics po ang kakailanganin,” she said.
“Ang simpleng impeksyon ay maaaring maging banta sa buhay,” the academic added.
The report said consumers may experience diarrhea as a result of drinking such a beverage. Diarrhea causes loose, watery stools, which may lead to dehydration.
Apart from the drinks, researchers also found that the vendors’ hands were contaminated.
Meanwhile, the city government of Manila, in response, laid out a multi-point action plan to address the issue.
Manila City Health Officer Dr. Grace Padilla said the Manila Health Department (MHD) is treating the findings as a high-priority public health concern requiring immediate action.
“Pupuntahan po namin uli ang 12 sites na nasama sa study, and we will be conducting again the inspection of this samalamig stall,” she said.
The city health officer added that Tondo has been identified as one of Manila’s high-risk areas, and that the department’s sanitary inspectors covering all six districts of Manila will be deployed as part of the enforcement effort.
Padilla also said the department will require vendors to use certified potable water and ice from approved suppliers only.
“(We will) require vendors to use certified potable water and approved ice supplier, hindi lang ‘yung basta-basta,” she said, adding that proof of certification will be mandatory during inspections.
Padilla also announced that a mandatory vendor hygiene training program will be developed in coordination with the UP Manila, covering handwashing, safe food handling and proper cleaning of containers. Vendors who complete the course will be issued certificates.
“Samalamig” is a collective term for sweet, chilled beverages sold on the streets, usually containing jelly-like ingredients.
These drinks can be sago’t gulaman, melon juice, buko juice, calamansi juice, buko pandan and mango sago, among others.
They are especially popular during the dry season, when the weather is hot and there is a need to stay hydrated.
