You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?

There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!

Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!


Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!

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Showing posts with label DA: Imported onions test positive for salmonella. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DA: Imported onions test positive for salmonella. Show all posts

Monday, May 12, 2025

DA: Imported onions test positive for salmonella, heavy metals

By Dexter Barro II

Published May 10, 2025 14:40 pm | Updated May 10, 2025 18:12 pm

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel is warning consumers against buying imported white onions, following the recent seizure of smuggled onions that tested positive for salmonella and heavy metals.

"If possible, please don’t buy imported onions because they may be contaminated with salmonella. These contaminated onions are not fit for human consumption,” said Laurel in a statement.

Laurel said the DA has not authorized the recent importation of foreign-sourced white onions, which are typically larger than locally grown varieties.

In fact, the DA's Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has not issued sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC) for onions since February.

On Friday, May 9, Laurel led the inspection of two container vans carrying 34 metric tons of smuggled white onions from China in Mexico, Pampanga.

Tests conducted by the BPI’s Plant Products Safety Services Division (PPSSD) and the National Plant Quarantine Services Division (NPQSD) showed that the produce was positive for heavy metals and salmonella.

Heavy metal poisoning has been attributed to cancer and damage to major body organs, while salmonella bacteria could cause food poisoning and various infections.

The shipments—misdeclared as processed chicken karaage strips—were allegedly consigned to Manila-based Leksei B. Specialized Goods Trading, arriving at Subic Port on April 20 aboard the SITC Hochiminh. 

The two containers were then transported to a warehouse in Mexico town, where it was seized by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on April 26.

BPI said the agency accredits neither the importer nor the warehouse. 

One container held 1,800 red mesh bags of white onions, while the other contained 1,600 bags, each weighing 9 kilos—bringing the total to around 34,200 kilos.

In total, the smuggled onions had a market value of approximately ₱4.1 million.

Initial investigation by the CIDG suggests that the shipments were planned to be distributed to Divisoria and parts of Nueva Ecija. 

Laurel has since requested the CIDG to investigate the “recurring preference” of smugglers to utilize Subic Port for such illegal activities.

“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,” he added.

Laurel is urging the public to report any sightings of unauthorized white onions in markets as a measure to safeguard public health.