DA confirms smuggled onions positive for heavy metals, salmonella

Smuggled white onions from China, valued at PHP4.1 million, have tested positive for heavy metals and salmonella, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The illegal shipment of 34 metric tons, misdeclared as processed chicken karaage strips, arrived on April 20 and was confiscated on April 26 by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Pampanga.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. warned consumers against purchasing imported white onions, stating that they are not fit for human consumption and the DA has not authorized any white onion imports recently.

The Bureau of Plant Industry has not issued Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance for onions since February 2025.

The DA is heightening vigilance through strict surveillance and monitoring of warehouses and markets nationwide to prevent the entry of unsafe agricultural products.