Chinese businessman nabbed over alleged fake food seasonings

MANILA — A Chinese businessman was arrested in Cagayan de Oro City for allegedly selling counterfeit food seasoning products worth nearly P900,000, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized some 160 boxes of suspected counterfeit food seasonings during an operation in Barangay Bulua on Monday, October 5.

The confiscated products were valued at P896,000. 

PNP Public Information Office chief PCol. Allen Rae Co said authorities were investigating how long the suspect had been operating and where the products had been distributed.

“Iti-trace natin ‘yung mga naipalabas na niya, kung saan niya nai-supply, possibly for recovery,” Co said. 

Authorities are also investigating whether the suspected counterfeit seasonings were manufactured locally or imported.

“Saan nila ginagawa, paano ang process, kung dito ba ginawa sa atin locally or in-import? Lahat titingnan natin ‘yan. Again, nagpo-pose ng danger kasi ito sa public,” Co said. 

Since the seized items are food products, Co said authorities would consider sending samples to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine their actual contents.

He added that investigators would look into possible additional violations in view of the nature of the products.

The suspect was initially apprehended for alleged violation of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

The suspect, however, had posted bail and was subsequently released from custody.

“What’s important is we were able to take out ‘yung counterfeit products from the market before it reached the market,” Co said. 

The CIDG warned that counterfeit food products could pose risks to public health and food safety because they may not have undergone the necessary health and sanitary evaluations.

The CIDG urged the public to report suspected counterfeit consumer products to authorities to help protect consumers and legitimate trademark owners.