Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. urged consumers to avoid purchasing imported white onions, which are typically larger than local varieties, after several tons of smuggled vegetables seized in Pampanga tested positive for salmonella and heavy metals.
Tiu Laurel said the DA had not approved any white onion imports recently, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to protect local farmers and safeguard public health.
“If possible, please don’t buy imported onions. They may be contaminated with salmonella and are not safe for human consumption,” the DA said in a statement.
The confiscated shipment, about 34 metric tons of white onions from China, was misdeclared as processed chicken karaage strips, it said.
Consigned to Manila-based Leksei B. Specialized Goods Trading, it arrived at Subic Port on April 20, 2025 and was transported to a warehouse in Mexico, Pampanga.
