MEXICO, Pampanga (May 9, 2025) – 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, with a market value of approximately P4.1 million.

Tests conducted by the Bureau of Plant Industry’s Plant Products Safety Services Division and the National Plant Quarantine Services Division showed the smuggled vegetables were positive for heavy metals and salmonella.

The shipment—misdeclared as processed chicken karaage strips—was consigned to Manila-based Leksei B. Specialized Goods Trading and seized on April 26 by the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in a warehouse 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,” the DA chief 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 poisoning could cause cancer and damage major body organs while salmonella bacteria could cause food poisoning and various infections.

BPI said neither the importer nor the warehouse is accredited by the agency. One container held 1,800 red mesh bags of white onions, and the other contained 1,600 bags, each weighing 9 kilos—bringing the total to around 34,200 kilos.

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

BPI director Glenn Panganiban said the Bureau will continue to collaborate with law enforcers to ensure 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 in our borders but even before they reach our consumers,” he said. ### (Photo by Alan Jay Jacalan, DA-AFID)