In a decisive move to protect the integrity of the nation’s agricultural import regulations on plant-based foods, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr., together with DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, PhD., and Bureau of Customs (BOC), Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, conducted an inspection on 19 40-foot containers linked to two consignees, Staradava Household Products Co. Ltd., and Fenndee Consumer Goods Trading at Port of Manila, South Harbor on March 3, 2025.
The proactive measures began on January 21, 2025, when the BPI formally requested the BOC to place a hold on the consignments from Staradava Household Products Co. Ltd. This was followed by an additional request on February 7, 2025, concerning the consignments from Fenndee Consumer Goods Trading. Both shipments were held pending compliance with the necessary Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC).
The interception was carried out following a spot check by inspectors from the PQS Port of Manila (South Harbor). The inspection uncovered discrepancies in the Inward Foreign Manifest (IFM), which had originally declared the cargo as frozen fried taro sticks, taro sweet potato balls, and assorted frozen food items. However, it was later revealed that the shipment actually contained frozen mackerel. The BOC estimates the value of the shipment at P202 million pesos.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. commended the BPI in their commitment and affirmed that the DA with the help of the BOC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will pursue these perpetrators and ensure that they are brought to justice.
The BPI remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that all imported plant-based agricultural products adhere to established Plant Quarantine regulations, to safeguard the local market and public health. The BPI will continue to collaborate closely with the BOC and other stakeholders to ensure compliance and maintain the standards essential for the safe importation of agricultural goods into the country.
Also present during the inspection were FDA Director General Dr. Samuel Zacate, Atty. Nathaniel Liberato, Assistant Director for Regulatory Services Ruel Gesmundo, NPQSD Chief Joan May Tolentino, PQS South Harbor OIC-Area Manager Henrick Exconde, and BFAR Director Elizer Salilig.
(030425-05)