The Department of Agriculture (DA) has ordered the disposal of over 500 metric tons of misdeclared and smuggled vegetables, following tests that showed the onions and carrots were free from microbiological and harmful contaminants but found severely deteriorated.
The commodities haul, seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Ports of Manila and Subic in coordination with the DA’s Inspectorate and Enforcement office, contains mostly yellow and red onions, with a small amount of carrots. Despite passing food safety tests, the poor condition of the vegetables, including visible rot and decay, has led the Bureau of Plant Industry to recommend their disposal.
The 17 container vans, with an estimated market value of P66 million, had arrived at Philippine ports as other products. Of the 13 vans intercepted in Subic, 12 contained red and yellow onions, while one held carrots. Meanwhile, four container vans at the Port of Manila were all filled with onions. The cargo was shipped from China, and the misdeclaration raises concerns about possible illegal activity and the growing problem of agricultural smuggling in the country.
Secretary of Agriculture Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the BPI’s food safety analyses, showed that the onions and carrots were free from harmful contaminants such as E. coli and salmonella, pesticide residue or heavy metals. However, further organoleptic assessment revealed significant deterioration.
“The onions and carrots showed signs of early sprouting, visible rotting, and foul odors indicating putrefaction,” said BPI Director Glenn Panganiban in two separate tests. As a result, despite passing safety standards, the produce cannot be categorized as safe for human consumption.
Secretary Tiu Laurel underscored the importance of public health in the DA’s decision to dispose of the smuggled vegetables. “Our priority is ensuring agricultural food commodities will promote public health and food safety. Imported goods, especially those meant to supplement local production, must meet safety standards and be fit for human consumption,” he said.
This supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to protecting consumers, upholding food safety standards, and cracking down on agricultural smuggling to safeguard the livelihoods of local producers, farmers, and fishers.
In Subic, six of the 13 container vans loaded with onions were misdeclared as chicken lollipops, while other shipments were falsely labeled as smoked frankfurters or chicken sausage. Similarly, Luxemar Wet and Dry Goods Trading declared their onion-filled containers as smoked frankfurters.
The importers involved, including Beaches Consumer Goods Trading, EPCB Consumer Goods Trading, and others, face severe penalties for violating importation and food safety laws. “These companies will be added to the growing list of importers blacklisted by the DA. Given the significant value of the cargo, some of these importers may be the first to face legal action under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act,” Tiu Laurel warned.
Tests are underway on two more container vans opened recently and whose contents were mislabeled as chicken poppers but were actually loaded with Peking duck and chicken breast. These containers, consigned to 1024 Consumer Goods Trading, are being examined by the Bureau of Animal Industry.
