The Department of Agriculture (DA) has ordered the disposal of over 500 metric tons of misdeclared and smuggled vegetables after tests found signs of severe spoilage, despite the produce being free of harmful contaminants.
The shipment, seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Ports of Manila and Subic in coordination with the DA’s Inspectorate and Enforcement Office, contained mostly red and yellow onions and a small volume of carrots.
While the vegetables tested negative for microbiological hazards such as E. coli, Salmonella, pesticide residues and heavy metals, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) flagged them as unfit for consumption due to visible rot, early sprouting and foul odors.
“The onions and carrots showed signs of early sprouting, visible rotting, and putrefaction,” said BPI director Glenn Panganiban, adding that organoleptic assessments conducted in two separate rounds confirmed their advanced deterioration.
Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said safeguarding public health should be paramount in the importation of food products.
“Our priority is ensuring food safety. Imported goods, especially those meant to supplement local production, must not only pass safety tests but also be fit for consumption,” he said.
A total of 17 container vans were found to be misdeclared, with an estimated market value of P66 million. Thirteen were intercepted in Subic Bay Freeport, with 12 carrying onions and one with carrots, while four containers at the Port of Manila contained only onions.
The cargo originated from China and was falsely declared as items like chicken lollipop, smoked frankfurters and chicken sausage.
Among the importers identified were Beaches Consumer Goods Trading, EPCB Consumer Goods Trading and Luxemar Wet and Dry Goods Trading. The DA said these companies would be blacklisted for violating importation and food safety laws.
“Given the scale of this operation, some of these importers may be among the first to face charges under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act,” Tiu Laurel said.
Meanwhile, two more containers consigned to 1024 Consumer Goods Trading and falsely declared as chicken poppers were recently opened, the DA said.
They were found to contain Peking duck and chicken breast and were being tested by the Bureau of Animal Industry.
