BPI eyes more mobile labs for veggie testing in NCR

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) plans to deploy more mobile laboratories to do sampling and testing of microbial contaminants in vegetables in markets in the National Capital Region (NCR).

This came after E. coli, or Escherichia coli, the bacteria typically present in human and animal feces, was reportedly found in some vegetables in urban farms and wet markets in Metro Manila, based on a study by the University of the Philippines-Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS).

“Sa ngayon, isa pa lang pero may plano sila madagdagan iyong BPI mobile lab. Alam ko at least 10 na mag-acquire sila (For now, they only have one but the BPI is planning to have more mobile labs. As far as I know, they will acquire at least 10),” DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said in an interview.

“Iyong mobile laboratory nila na umiikot to check dito sa (Their mobile laboratory are doing rounds to check on the) microbial contaminants kagaya ng (like) e.coli, ganun din sa mga (likewise for) heavy metals,” he said.

De Mesa said the BPI’s program provides immediate sampling with results on chemical and microbial contaminants in vegetables.

“Ang maganda sa mobile lab, pwede silang umikot sa mga palengke (What’s good in the mobile laboratories is that they can visit the markets) to immediately get samples. This is a bus,” he said.

Besides the mobile laboratory, he said the BPI still has other stationary laboratories to process vegetable samples.

Once measured to be contaminant-positive or beyond the normal level, de Mesa said the BPI may call the attention of vendors to ensure the cleanliness and safety of their commodities.

He, however, urged the public to “carefully wash” all agri products bought from markets to ensure that no residue is left.

“Kahit gulay iyan or prutas (Whether vegetable or fruits), it's always better to thoroughly clean iyong ating mga gulay, lalo na kung kakainin lang na raw. Kailangan malinis mabuti (our vegetables, especially when it will be eaten raw. It should be cleaned properly),” de Mesa said. (PNA)