Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental – July 8, 2025 — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced its plan to destroy several tons of smuggled onions recently intercepted at the Mindanao International Container Terminal (MICT) after testing positive for E. coli contamination.
According to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), laboratory tests confirmed the presence of E. coli bacteria in the confiscated onions. In accordance with customs regulations, perishable goods found to be contaminated must either be destroyed or returned to their country of origin.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed that the department will proceed with the destruction of the goods using government facilities to prevent their possible entry into local markets.
“These smuggled onions pose a serious health risk and must not be allowed to circulate in the market,” said Secretary Laurel.
Records from the DA and the Bureau of Customs show that the shipment, which originated from China, arrived at the MICT in May. The goods were falsely declared as food items such as egg noodles and pizza to evade inspection.
Authorities identified the consignee as a Manila-based trading company now under investigation.
The DA emphasized that the destruction of these contaminated agricultural products is part of its broader effort to safeguard public health and protect local farmers from the harmful effects of agricultural smuggling.
