DTI mulls regulation of air fryers

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is considering the inclusion of air fryers in the list of house appliances regulated by the government amid the growing popularity and use of this cooking apparatus. Jay Illescas, the product testing division chief of the DTI’s bureau of Philippine standards said in an interview over dzMM on Saturday that air fryers might soon be subjected to their mandatory product regulations. “Air fryers before were not widely used. But today, its use is getting more popular,” Illescas said. The DTI official said that substandard air fryers have the small possibility of exploding or catching fire when used. Home appliances currently regulated include rice cookers, air pots, coffee makers, bread toasters, flat irons, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions and air conditioners. Ann Claire Cabochan, assistant secretary of the DTI Consumer Protection Group, said sellers and importers share liability with manufacturers when it comes to substandard appliances. —Alden Monzon