Philippines seizes 34 tons of smuggled contaminated onions from China

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Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. on Friday led the inspection of two container vans carrying an estimated 34 metric tons of smuggled white onions from China, valued at approximately P4.1 million.

Laboratory tests conducted by the Bureau of Plant Industry’s (BPI) Plant Products Safety Services Division and the National Plant Quarantine Services Division revealed that the smuggled onions were contaminated with heavy metals and salmonella.

The shipment, which was misdeclared as processed chicken karaage strips, was consigned to Manila-based Leksei B. Specialized Goods Trading. It was seized on April 26 by the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in a warehouse located in Barangay Laug, Mexico, Pampanga.

Secretary Tiu Laurel commended the CIDG for its swift action. “We thank our police officers for their vigilance and for working with the DA to protect both public health and the livelihoods of our local farmers,” he said. “Preventing the entry of misdeclared agricultural goods is crucial not only to ensure food safety but also to stop the potential spread of plant diseases and pests.”

Heavy metal contamination can cause cancer and damage major body organs, while salmonella bacteria can lead to food poisoning and various infections.

The BPI noted that neither the importer nor the warehouse involved is accredited by the agency. The two containers held a total of 34,200 kilograms of white onions, with one container containing 1,800 red mesh bags and the other holding 1,600 bags, each weighing nine kilograms.

The onions arrived at the Port of Subic on April 20 aboard the SITC Hochiminh.

BPI Director Glenn Panganiban emphasized the Bureau’s commitment to collaborating with law enforcement agencies to protect public health and food safety. “We will continue to work with the CIDG and other law enforcement agencies to curtail these illegal activities, not only at our borders but also before they reach consumers,” he stated.

For more information:
Philippine Department of Agriculture
Tel: +63 (2) 8928 8741
Email: [email protected]
www.da.gov.ph

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