The Department of Agriculture (DA) has warned the public against purchasing illegally imported onions after samples collected from Paco Public Market in Manila tested positive for E. coli.
“This is a food safety issue and a clear threat to public health. We will order the confiscation of those onions, as required under the Food Safety Act of 2013,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.
He instructed the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and other DA units to intensify market surveillance and submit smuggled onion samples for immediate testing.
Tiu Laurel also requested assistance from the Philippine National Police to bolster intelligence efforts and crack down on smuggling.
BPI Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban said the test results, which pointed to possible fecal contamination and poor sanitation, have been officially relayed to the Manila city government.
Separately, 25 metric tons of red onions intercepted in Misamis Oriental are undergoing tests for contaminants.
If found safe, the DA plans to ask the Bureau of Customs to turn over the shipment for public distribution.
