FDA to sanction importers of smuggled onions and mackerel

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will impose sanctions on importers of misdeclared and smuggled goods seized at the Port of Manila.

The joint operation, involving the FDA, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Bureau of Customs, was prompted by a DA request on June 26 to investigate suspicious import activities.

The seized items, declared as egg noodles, spring rolls, and dumplings, were actually approximately 74 metric tons of red onions, yellow onions, and frozen mackerel.

The total estimated value of the seized goods is between P24.12 million and P34.12 million, with specific values for red onions at P10.3 million, yellow onions at P3.82 million, and frozen mackerel ranging from P13 million to P20 million.

FDA Director General Paolo Teston emphasized the agency's role in regulating food imports to ensure safety and quality standards.

He urged businesses to comply with regulatory requirements, such as obtaining a License to Operate and Certificates of Product Registration.