OMG! Is Mang Tomas Banned? FDA, Panic & Pinoy Condiments

Jerad Nader 27 May 2025

Is your favorite Filipino sauce facing a ban? The beloved Mang Tomas and other Filipino condiments are facing import restrictions in the US due to safety concerns, sparking panic buying and empty shelves in Filipino communities.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has placed import restrictions on several Filipino condiments, including Mang Tomas, Jufran, and others, citing concerns over the use of potassium iodate and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). This decision has sent shockwaves through Filipino communities in the United States, particularly among Filipino Americans, leading to widespread concern and, in some cases, panic buying. Social media platforms have been flooded with claims that Mang Tomas' banana sauce, a staple in many Filipino American households, is slated for an outright ban. This has fueled anxieties and prompted many to stock up on their favorite condiments, fearing they might soon disappear from store shelves.

The situation has been further complicated by conflicting reports and a lack of clear communication. While some reports suggest an outright ban, others clarify that existing stocks can still be sold, but manufacturers will need to reformulate their products to comply with the FDA's new requirements. The FDA's primary concern revolves around the use of what they deem "unsafe food additives," specifically potassium iodate and BHA. These substances have raised health and safety concerns, prompting the FDA to take action to protect consumers.

Information	Details
Condiment Name	Mang Tomas All-Purpose Sauce
Origin	Philippines
Creator	Tomas de los Reyes
Original Recipe Date	1950s
Parent Company	Nutriasia
Key Ingredients (Original)	Varies, based on the legacy recipe
FDA Concern	Potassium Iodate, BHA
Nutriasia's Response	Reformulation to comply with FDA guidelines; resumed shipments to the US
Impact	Panic buying among Filipino Americans, temporary shortages, product reformulation
Related Sauces by Nutriasia	UFC, Jufran
Reference Website	Nutriasia Official Website

Nutriasia, the manufacturer of popular Filipino sauces such as Mang Tomas, UFC, and Jufran, has responded to the FDA's concerns by reformulating its products. The company stated that it complies with all regulatory requirements in the countries to which it exports its products. According to Nutriasia, the reformulated products were shipped in August, but faced delays in global shipping. The reformulated sauces, including Mang Tomas and UFC, are now returning to US shelves, adhering to the new FDA guidelines. These changes impact the recipes and flavor profiles of these condiments, with Nutriasia working to minimize deviations from the original taste while ensuring safety and compliance.

The alleged ban has not only affected Mang Tomas but also other Filipino staples like banana ketchup, lechon sauce, and bagoong (fermented shrimp paste). This has led to widespread panic buying, particularly in areas with large Filipino populations such as Seattle, California, and Nevada. Empty shelves in Filipino grocery stores have become a common sight, with many Filipinos stocking up on these condiments out of fear that they will no longer be available. One supplier has indicated that new shipments of Mang Tomas, ketchup, Jufran, and UFC are expected by the end of November, offering a glimmer of hope to those missing their favorite flavors.

The import alert issued by the FDA specifically targets food products, including dietary supplements, that are adulterated under section 402(a)(2)(c)(i) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). This section prohibits the import of products containing unsafe food additives as defined by section 409 of the act. The FDA's decision is rooted in concerns about the safety of potassium iodate, a dough strengthener commonly used in bread and rolls, and BHA, an antioxidant preservative. While potassium iodate is sometimes added to table salt to prevent iodine deficiency, its use in other food products has raised questions about potential health risks.

The panic surrounding the potential ban on Filipino condiments has been amplified by social media, where users have expressed their frustration and disappointment. Filipino TikTok user @dinocornel criticized the ban, highlighting the shortage of Mang Tomas, his favorite condiment. "I dont know whose idea it is to ban Mang Tomas in America, but whoever you are, just know that the entire Filipino community, read my lips, we dont like you," he said in a viral video. This sentiment reflects the deep connection that many Filipinos have with these condiments, which are not just food items but also cultural symbols.

The history of Mang Tomas is deeply intertwined with Filipino cuisine and culture. The original 1950s recipe was created by Tomas de los Reyes, a lechonero (roast pig vendor) in Quezon City, who wanted a signature sawsawan (dipping sauce) to distinguish his business from other lechon vendors. Banana sauce, also known as banana ketchup, has also been a beloved staple in Filipino households for generations. These condiments are integral to many traditional Filipino dishes, adding unique flavors and textures that are difficult to replicate with other ingredients.

The potential loss of these condiments has sparked a broader discussion about the importance of Filipino cuisine and culture in the diaspora. For many Filipino Americans, these sauces and condiments are more than just food; they are a connection to their heritage and a source of comfort and nostalgia. The panic buying and social media outcry highlight the deep emotional attachment that many Filipinos have to these products, which evoke memories of home and family.

While the FDA's import restrictions do not constitute an outright ban, they have created significant challenges for manufacturers and distributors. Products facing border holds require further review and may be delayed or rejected if they do not meet the FDA's safety standards. As Jay Agabao, manager of Sky Guam Distributors Inc., noted in an interview with the Pacific Daily News, "When clients ask for these specific products, we have to inform them we can no longer import them." This has forced distributors to find alternative sources or reformulate their products to comply with the FDA's requirements.

The situation surrounding the potential ban on Filipino condiments raises several important questions about food safety, cultural preservation, and the role of government regulation. While the FDA's primary responsibility is to protect consumers from unsafe food products, it is also important to consider the cultural significance of these condiments and the impact that import restrictions can have on communities that rely on them. Potassium iodate is commonly used as a dough strengthener in bread and rolls and is sometimes added to table salt to prevent iodine deficiency. However, its use in other food products, particularly in the quantities found in some Filipino condiments, has raised concerns about potential health risks. While the United States doesnt have an outright ban on potassium iodate, its use is carefully monitored, and the FDA sets strict limits on the amount that can be used in food products.

One of the main concerns surrounding the FDA's import restrictions is the potential impact on small businesses and Filipino-owned grocery stores in the United States. These businesses often rely on the sale of these condiments to cater to the Filipino American community. The controversy surrounding Mang Tomas and other Filipino sauces underscores the complex interplay between food safety regulations, cultural identity, and consumer preferences. As manufacturers work to reformulate their products and comply with FDA guidelines, it is important to maintain open communication with consumers and address their concerns about potential changes in taste and quality.

The temporary shortage of Filipino condiments has also highlighted the importance of access to diverse food options for immigrant communities. For many Filipino Americans, these condiments are an essential part of their diet and cultural identity. The panic buying and social media outcry demonstrate the strong desire to maintain access to these products, even in the face of potential import restrictions. Updates show the Mang Tomas sauce controversy update affects several countries. The recent Mang Tomas sauce banned news has shocked the food world. Many are curious about the reasons behind this ban. The Mang Tomas sauce recall is due to worries about its ingredients and health risks.

While the situation remains fluid, there is reason to believe that Filipino condiments will continue to be available in the United States, albeit with some changes. Nutriasia's commitment to reformulating its products and complying with FDA guidelines suggests that these sauces will eventually return to store shelves. However, the experience has served as a reminder of the importance of food safety regulations and the need for manufacturers to ensure that their products meet the standards of the countries to which they are exported. From sweet spaghetti sauces to lechon sauces, some popular Philippine condiments have been flagged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for harmful food additives and this has been causing Import alert on popular Filipino condiments like banana ketchup, lechon sauce, and bagoong have led to panic buying among Filipino communities in the United States, leaving some store shelves bare and causing a temporary shortage. Filipino expatriates across California and Nevada are stocking up amid concerns about future availability.

The controversy surrounding Mang Tomas and other Filipino condiments also highlights the challenges of navigating different food safety regulations across countries. While some ingredients may be considered safe in one country, they may be restricted or banned in another. This can create confusion and frustration for manufacturers and consumers alike. The recent events underscore the importance of clear communication and transparency in the food industry. Manufacturers, regulators, and consumers need to work together to ensure that food products are safe and that cultural traditions are respected.

The panic buying of Filipino condiments in the United States also reflects a broader trend of consumers stocking up on essential items during times of uncertainty. Whether it is due to concerns about food safety, economic instability, or global events, many people tend to hoard products that they consider to be essential or comforting. This behavior can exacerbate shortages and create further anxiety in communities. Panic buying hits Pinoys in the U.S. Seattle an alleged ban on banana ketchup, lechon sauce, and anchovy paste or bagoong from the Philippine has prompted some Filipinos here to stock up and hoard, leaving in its wake empty store shelves and an artificial supply shortage. It also f s up the flavor / overpowers the meat. M [iil] post and violations will result in a ban on first offense.

The ongoing situation with Filipino condiments in the United States serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need for regulators to consider the impact of their decisions on diverse communities. While food safety is paramount, it is also crucial to recognize the cultural significance of these products and to work towards solutions that balance safety with cultural preservation. The availability of Filipino condiments in the United States is not just a matter of taste; it is a matter of cultural identity and community cohesion. By working together, manufacturers, regulators, and consumers can ensure that these products continue to be available for generations to come.

The potential ban on Filipino condiments has also sparked a broader discussion about the role of food in shaping cultural identity and community bonds. For many Filipino Americans, these sauces and condiments are not just ingredients; they are symbols of their heritage and a source of connection to their homeland. The panic buying and social media outcry demonstrate the deep emotional attachment that many Filipinos have to these products, which evoke memories of family gatherings and traditional celebrations.

The lifting the ban on bagoong will ensure that a key element of Filipino cuisine remains accessible to Filipinos in the U.S. Bagoong is essential not only for its flavor. While this does not constitute an outright ban, it means these items will face border holds for further review. "When clients ask for these specific products, we have to inform them we can no longer import them," said Jay Agabao, manager of Sky Guam Distributors Inc., in an interview with the Pacific Daily News. The supplier mentioned there might be new shipments of Mang Tomas, ketchup, Jufran, and UFC by the end of November. Many people are complaining because they're missing key ingredients.