MANILA, Philippines--Del Monte Philippines Inc. (DMPI) said Friday that the use of the pesticide endosulfan had been authorized by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) and had been used by the company for decades with no untoward health incident.

The company, which packages fruits and vegetables in the Philippines under the Del Monte brand, issued the statement in response to the announcement of the National Disaster Coordinating Council that a cargo of the restricted pesticide had been loaded into the MV Princess of the Stars.

"While this cargo is owned by Del Monte Philippines Inc., it was still en route for delivery to Del Monte and was therefore outside its control at the time of the accident," the company said.

Princess of Paradise

"DMPI continuously monitors the movement of delicate materials such as endosulfan," it said.

DMPI said that without its knowledge and consent, ship owner Sulpicio Lines Inc. loaded the endosulfan in the Princess of the Stars instead of the MV Princess of Paradise, the supposed appointed vessel for the cargo.

"Upon learning that our cargo was loaded in the ill-fated [vessel], we immediately informed the FPA," DMPI said.

It said it was "in constant touch with the FPA and other government agencies to ensure that any and all action will be taken to avoid and prevent any damage."

"We want to assure the public that we in DMPI are responsible corporate citizens and we are just as concerned with the environment and are actively assisting the authorities in addressing this pressing situation," it added.

According to DMPI, the endosulfan originated from a supplier in Israel and was packed and shipped in accordance with strict international shipping standards for cargoes of this type.

It said Sulpicio Lines had been fully apprised of the nature of the cargo because all required documents were submitted, including the material safety data sheet from the supplier.

The DMPI plantation in Bukidnon is described as the largest and most integrated pineapple plantation in the world. It has been the leading exporter of processed pineapple products for nearly 80 years.

One of best

An epidemiologist of the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) in Northern Mindanao said DMPI has not violated any law since it started canning operations in Misamis Oriental.

"So far, Del Monte has been one of the best companies under our jurisdiction that complies with all our policies," said Dr. Roy Mendoza of BFAD 10.