MANILA, Philippines—Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said Thursday he will invite “industry experts” to join a panel he is forming to review a controversial contract for the purchase of P427 million worth of instant noodles that are allegedly overpriced and have little nutritional value.

In an interview on Thursday afternoon, Lapus said has not yet decided on the composition of the panel, adding, “We want to be careful."

"We will invite noodle experts from the noodle industry and some experts in nutrition," Lapus said.

Earlier, Lapus told the Senate committee on education he has suspended the purchase in light of the controversy and has also ordered a review of the department’s school feeding program.

He said he was optimistic the feeding program will resume after the review. "The school year is just about to start and we have 10 months to do this," he said.