MANILA -- A company which imports onions is facing a complaint from the Department of Agriculture for allegedly importing fresh yellow onions last year in violation of food safety and plant quarantine regulations.

The Bureau of Plant Industry, an attached agency of the DA, said JRA and Pearl Enterprises Inc imported 25 metric tons of yellow onions sans an import permit. The BPI filed the complaint with the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.

"The shipment, with an estimate value of P2.37 million, was consigned to JRA and arrived at Manila’s South Harbor in July [2024]," the DA said.

However, the DA said it had already stopped issuing Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances, or import permits, for fresh yellow onions from Jan.1 to Aug. 19 last year  

The importer failed to provide a satisfactory explanation as to why it imported the onions without first securing the necessary certifications that the vegetables were safe for human consumption and would not spread pests or plant diseases, the DA added.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the complaint is part of their efforts to safeguard 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 (the complaint was filed for violation of food safety act and plant quarantine law),” the agriculture chief said.