Mang Tomas sauce bottles on a supermarket shelf. (Photo: X/ @Liberty_Ann)

Rumors of a ban on products from the Philippines in the United States have led to panic buying among many Filipino Americans. Claims are circulating on social media that the United States is preparing to ban several of the Filipino brand's spices. Mang Tomas.

Several social media users claim that Mang Tomas banana sauce, famous among Filipino Americans, should be banned in the United States. It sparked a panic among Filipino Americans that led to mass buying Mang Tomas sauce in supermarkets and stores in the USA.

However, a ban on Mang Tomas sauce has not been put into effect and people can still purchase it. However, a new decision by the US Food and Drug Administration will restrict imports of new versions of the product, meaning people will only be able to buy while supplies last.

Some of the ingredients used in the sauce are harmful for human consumption, the FDA decision said. The Daily Dot, citing the Philippines' Manila Bulletin, reported that chemicals found in the country's products included benzoate, a preservative that negatively affects the gut microbiome, and BHA, which has potential carcinogenic effects.

The FDA said Mang Tomas banana sauce also contains potassium iodate, a dough strengthener that, among other things, can impair thyroid function in high doses.

“I am absolutely devastated by this news. Jufran did nothing wrong! Justice for Mang Tomas 😔,” one user said.

“Kamala will bring back Bagoong and Mang Tomas! Vote!” said one user.

Meanwhile, the sauce bottles, which normally cost $2, are reportedly being sold for up to $20 at certain locations.