Pwersa Balita

DA Recommends Destroying ₱86.7-M Onion Shipment in Manila

Jun 15, 2026 1,332

For many Filipino families, onions are an everyday kitchen staple. But a large shipment of imported red onions now sitting abandoned at a major port in Manila could soon be destroyed if tests show it poses a risk to public health.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it may recommend the destruction of around 650 metric tons of imported red onions from China after laboratory examinations determine whether the shipment remains safe for human consumption.

The abandoned cargo, valued at about ₱86.7 million, is currently stored at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). According to the DA, the onions arrived in the country between December 2025 and January 2026 aboard 26 containers. Despite having the necessary import permits, the importer, M2000 IMEX Company Inc., failed to claim the shipment.

Agriculture officials said the volume is equivalent to roughly one day of the country’s total onion consumption. Because the products have remained unclaimed for several months, authorities are conducting inspections and laboratory tests to determine their condition and whether they still meet food safety standards.

The DA stressed that protecting consumers remains its top priority. If laboratory results confirm that the onions have deteriorated or may pose health risks, the agency will recommend that the shipment be destroyed instead of being released into the market.

Food safety experts note that agricultural products left in storage for extended periods can become vulnerable to spoilage, contamination, and quality deterioration. Proper testing is necessary before any decision is made regarding disposal or possible utilization.

The case also highlights the importance of strict monitoring of imported agricultural commodities entering the country. Government agencies continue to strengthen border inspections and food safety measures to ensure that products reaching Filipino consumers are safe and compliant with national regulations.

The Philippines imports onions at certain times of the year to help stabilize supply and prices, particularly when local production is insufficient. However, imported products are still required to undergo inspections and comply with food safety requirements before they can be distributed.

Authorities are expected to release the final recommendation once laboratory analyses are completed. Until then, the shipment will remain under government supervision at the port.

As food safety remains a critical concern, the DA said it will continue to enforce measures that protect consumers while supporting a stable and secure food supply for the country.

Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News

#DepartmentOfAgriculture, #OnionImports, #FoodSafetyPH, #AgricultureNews, #PwersaBalita

Recent BALITA