The Department of Agriculture (DA) has filed a complaint against JRA and Pearl Enterprises Inc. for allegedly importing fresh yellow onions without proper permits in 2024, violating food safety and plant quarantine regulations.
According to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the company illegally imported 25 metric tons of yellow onions in July 2024, valued at ₱2.37 million, without securing a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC). The DA had halted the issuance of import permits for fresh yellow onions from January 1 to August 19, 2024, making the shipment unauthorized.
The Manila City Prosecutor’s Office is now handling the case after the BPI formally lodged the complaint. The importer failed to provide a valid explanation for bringing in the onions without the required certifications ensuring the produce’s safety for human consumption and compliance with pest and disease prevention protocols.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stressed that the complaint is part of the government’s crackdown on agricultural smuggling, aimed at protecting local farmers and consumers from unfair trade practices and potential public health risks.
“Similar legal actions are being prepared as we intensify our campaign against agricultural smugglers. Let this serve as a warning to those who seek to challenge our resolve,” he said.
The DA’s intensified enforcement highlights its commitment to upholding food safety regulations and ensuring fair competition in the agricultural sector.