Photo by: PNP CIDG
ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized more than ₱1 million worth of unregistered Korean luncheon meat products from a warehouse in Barangay Cutcut here on Oct. 22, following a joint operation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Region 3.
The operation, conducted at around 3 p.m., resulted in the confiscation of assorted brands of Korean luncheon meat valued at ₱1,040,040. The products were reportedly not registered with the FDA and did not meet applicable food quality and safety requirements.
Authorities apprehended a 17-year-old minor who was allegedly selling and trading the products. The minor, classified as a child in conflict with the law (CICL), was documented and turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office for appropriate action.
A criminal complaint was filed against the warehouse owner, who remains at large.
The CIDG said the operation was conducted over alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, which prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale, distribution and transfer of health and food products without the required FDA registration and authorization.
Under the law, processed food products must comply with regulatory requirements before they can be distributed in the domestic market. Unregistered products bypass the FDA’s evaluation process, preventing the agency from verifying their quality, handling and safety.
The CIDG leadership commended Police Col. Grant A. Gollod, chief of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 3, and the Angeles City Field Unit, headed by Police Maj. Harold A. Landicho, for the operation.
The agency said the enforcement action forms part of its efforts to protect consumers and prevent potentially unsafe food products from reaching the market.
The CIDG also urged consumers to check product labels and verify registration through the FDA Verification Portal before purchasing or consuming food and health products. (PR)