The Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Thursday that it recommended the destruction of 650 metric tons (MT) of abandoned imported red onions from China over potential health risks. The onions, valued at P86.7 million, were found inside 26 twenty-foot containers at the Manila International Container Port and are undergoing laboratory tests for confirmation.
The DA's recommendation follows the discovery of the shipment, which had been abandoned at the port. The agency cited potential health risks as the primary reason for the proposed destruction, pending final results from laboratory tests to confirm spoilage.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns over the quality of imported agricultural products and the enforcement of food safety standards. The DA has not yet announced a timeline for the destruction or the completion of the laboratory tests.