Fake seasoning seized from Negros Occidental markets

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Several packs of counterfeit seasoning were recently discovered being sold at markets in La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

The discovery came four days after the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bacolod seized PHP 470,000 worth of products bearing the same seasoning brand during an entrapment operation in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

The operation led to the arrest of a 64-year-old Chinese national who was allegedly a supplier and a 32-year-old woman who was reportedly a reseller.

In a media interview Monday, Remuel Lajo, public information officer of La Castellana, said market personnel conducted an inspection led by market supervisor Leoven Nicor last week and found three stores allegedly selling counterfeit seasoning at the town’s public market.

After comparing the products with the original packaging, the municipal market team confirmed that the seized items were counterfeit.

Another inspection was conducted during a market day in Barangay Cabacungan on Monday, where authorities also seized a box of counterfeit seasoning.

Lajo said vendors may have been selling the cheaper seasoning products to earn higher profits, but he warned of possible health risks associated with counterfeit food products.

He advised consumers and vendors, particularly small sari-sari store owners, to verify product packaging and labels before buying or selling the items.

Food safety authorities have repeatedly advised consumers to carefully check food labels and packaging and avoid products with questionable or misleading labeling.

Philippine food safety regulations also prohibit the sale of misbranded food products, including those sold under false or misleading labels.

Lajo said authorities have yet to determine the exact volume and value of the seized items.

Monitoring of markets in La Castellana is ongoing.