The Department of Agriculture (DA) sounded the alarm after the smuggled vegetables confiscated from a Navotas City warehouse tested positive for a range of hazardous substances including pesticide residues, heavy metals and microbiological contaminants.
Laboratory analyses conducted by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) on onions, tomatoes and carrots revealed the presence of pesticides like organophosphates, organochlorines and pyrethroids, which can disrupt the human nervous system and cause other health issues.
The vegetables were found to contain heavy metals like cadmium and lead, known to cause long-term health problems, including damage to the kidneys, liver and nervous system.
The seized vegetables, amounting to over 300 tons, were imported without the necessary sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances from BPI. This highlights the risks associated with illegal importation, often bypassing crucial safety checks and regulations.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. assured the public that the contaminated vegetables would be disposed of safely to prevent them from entering the food supply.
“We cannot risk the health of Filipino consumers. The DA legal team will determine legal actions that can be taken against these unscrupulous traders who not only evaded tariffs but also endangered consumer health,” he said.
The DA said the incident should serve as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the need for stricter enforcement of import regulations to safeguard consumers.
The incident also underscored the critical role of regulatory bodies like the DA and BPI in protecting public health by ensuring that food products meet safety standards, it said.
The DA advised consumers to be vigilant and purchase fruits and vegetables from reputable sources. Washing produce thoroughly before consumption is also crucial to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful contaminants, it said.
