E. coli found in milk tea that killed 1, downed 9 in Iloilo

MANILA (UPDATED/CORRECTED) -- Samples of some of the ingredients of the milk tea that reportedly left one man dead and at least nine others ill in Iloilo tested positive for several bacteria, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The results of the microbial test conducted by the FDA showed that 6 out of the 17 ingredients used by the Dakasi Tea House tested positive for E. coli, coliform, salmonella, and molds and yeast.

The FDA said these bacteria caused the food poisoning of the store's customers last September. A later report said at least 50 customers fell ill after drinking milk tea from the store.

E. coli can cause diarrhea and urinary tract infections while salmonella can cause vomiting and fever.

Coliform bacteria, meanwhile, indicate possible contamination of food. These are usually present in feces of humans and other warm-blooded animals.

The FDA said it also discovered that the raw ingredients used by the Dakasi Tea House are not registered and accredited by the agency.

The Iloilo City health office has already recommended the revocation of the business permit of Dakasi Tea House. -- Report from Regi Adosto, ABS-CBN News Iloilo