By Raïssa Robles
The label on this harmless-looking product is a drawing of a stout cat lying contentedly over this quaint phrase – “THE CAT BE UNEMPLOYED.”
You’d think it has something inside for children.
In reality, it is a powerful rat poison that federal and state authorities in New York seized recently after five months of undercover work.
I would not be surprised if the same product has reached Manila since we are nearer China.
The problem with this product is it contains a powerful chemical called brodifacoum that could kill even children. And the way it is packaged is quite attractive to children.
So just be careful.
Even if there are no children in your house, don’t buy it. A woman in New York mistook it for her medicine and fell seriously ill.
Maybe you should report to authorities if you see the same product.
The Bureau of Customs, together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, should not even allow this product into the country.
To read the full New York Times report about this poison, click here.
jjvillamor says
And no danger warning in english or universal poison symbol? I think the DTI should issue some kind of circular to supermarkets just in case that product.has reached our shores
nelson ongpauco says
ang hirap sa mga pinoy ay ayaw bumili ng made sa pinas gusto ay imported pero sa ngayon ay puro na made inchina ng lahat ng bilihin sa palengke o sa grocery store..gaya ng mga sapatos ,damit ..dito sa america kahit NIKE na sapatos made in china narin wala kanang mabibili na made in USA…..kaya marami ng nagsasara na tindahan ng sapatos
Rallie F. Cruz says
There has been a lot of products coming in to US from China including what we have been buying from WHOLE FOODS MARKET that are supposed to be organically grown here. We have several vegetable combination in one bag that says : A Product of USA and printed in small letter below, “Made in China”.
I am not sure if it is the plastic that is made in China or the whole thing.
FDA had been warned anyway or did they just played blind not to see it at once? It still has to take a TV Investigation Team to show the public.of the deception.
At least your article has little need to understand what the product is for, unlike what I wrote above.
Thanks Raissa !
raissa says
Yes, Rallie.
We, consumers – wherever we are – just have to be vigilant and stand up for our rights.
Which is why I am resuming on my website my consumer advocacy which I started when I was with Philippine Star. This will fall under the “Money” category.
I am proud to say that one of the articles I wrote in Philippine Star on ATMs stopped banks from charging fees on their own customers who were withdrawing from their own machines. Unfortunately, after I left the Star, the banks just quietly tacked on the fees.
Raissa
Ging says
I hope this product doesn’t make it to our shores, but you’re right, we are near China. Thanks for the word of warning!
wendy says
wow! appreciate the warning…thanks!