The Department of Agriculture will formally ask the Bureau of Customs for possession and proper disposal of 50 metric tons of smuggled frozen mackerel in two container vans seized at the Port of Manila, following laboratory results showing the fish are safe for human consumption.
The results of laboratory tests by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, confirmed that all samples from the seized mackerel passed microbiological safety standards set by Philippine and international food regulations, Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement on Monday, July 21.
The BFAR has found that the levels of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and the aerobic plate counts in the mackerel shipments were all within acceptable limits, the DA said.
The DA usually distributes seized agricultural and aquatic produce found safe for human consumption to local communities.
The two containers currently held at the Port of Manila, were found to contain an estimated 50 metric tons (MT) of frozen mackerel, worth between P13 million and P20 million, the DA said.
This volume would be enough to provide one kilogram of fish per household, to as many as 50,000 families, if distributed, the DA said.
The two containers were among the six earlier flagged by the DA’s Inspectorate and Enforcement Service, and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI). Of the six containers, the three others carried 74 MT of red onions while the other van was loaded with yellow onions.
As of Monday, the BPI was still awaiting test results to determine if the seized onions contained unsafe levels of bacteria, heavy metals, or pesticides.
Meanwhile, the DA said it ordered more tests done on the smuggled frozen mackerel, onions, and carrots found in container vans and seized at the Port of Subic.
“We remain committed to safeguarding our food supply, protecting our farmers and fisherfolk, and ensuring public health… Rather than let safe food go to waste, we will put it on Filipino tables just as this administration has done before,” Tiu Laurel said.
Last December, the government also allowed the donation of 21 containers of smuggled frozen mackerel worth P178.5 million, which had entered the country without sanitary and phytosanitary permits.
