UFC is a banana ketchup made in the Philippines. ARCHIVE

In a surprising twist for Filipino households, beloved banana ketchup brands like JUFRAN and UFC have started disappearing from US store shelves. The reason? An import ban on certain food additives has disrupted supply chains, making it harder for Filipino communities abroad to get their hands on this iconic condiment. Banana ketchup, a unique blend of bananas, vinegar, and spices, was developed in the 1940s due to a shortage of tomatoes in the Philippines. Since then, it has become a staple in Filipino cuisine, used in everything from marinades to pasta dishes. But recent alerts from US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over potassium iodate, a common additive in these products, have put a pause on imports to the US. The shortage has affected not only Filipino households but also restaurants, many of which rely on the sauce as a key ingredient. Vinny Dayao, a head chef and co-owner of a Filipino catering company in California, noted the challenge: “Banana ketchup is part of our culinary identity, and running out of it feels like losing a bit of home.” Some chefs have begun making their own ketchup as a workaround. Dayao shared that homemade banana ketchup allows for fresher flavors and greater control over ingredients. He explained, “It’s a chance to get back to our roots and make something truly from scratch.” In the UAE, however, Filipino banana ketchup is readily available in supermarkets like Philippine Supermarket, Pinoy Mart and Metro Manila Supermarket. Meanwhile, manufacturers in the Philippines are working on reformulations to meet the new guidelines, meaning the popular ketchup could return to shelves soon. In the meantime, Filipino families are encouraged to try homemade versions, preserving the flavors and heritage of a beloved sauce. ICA/Expat Media
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