Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 27) — The government will launch a probe into the influx of smuggled carrots from China in some Philippine markets, an official of the Department of Agriculture said on Monday.
“Walang fresh vegetables na binibigyan ng permit mula sa ibang bansa, kasama ang China,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary Noel Reyes said during a virtual briefing. “We’re saying na smuggled po ‘yan…i-imbestigahan po yan.”
[Translation: We are not permitting the entry of fresh vegetables from other countries, including China. We’re saying those are smuggled. That will be investigated.]
The official said the government will create a joint task force composed of the DA, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Bureau of Customs, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to investigate the matter.
Late last week, a group of Benguet farmers flagged the smuggled carrots from China, which were being sold in Manila and Cebu markets.
The DA earlier said the Bureau of Plant Industry did not issue any import permits on the carrots, making them illegal.
Reyes said the government is only allowing frozen mixed and processed vegetables, but they are limited to embassies and hotels.
He also said consumers must understand the dangers these fresh products from other countries pose as they are not regulated.
