P7 million smuggled carrots seized

MANILA, Philippines — Carrots worth over P7 million have been intercepted at the Port of Manila.

Inspectors found that a significant portion of the carrots showed signs of mold, decay and root damage.

Falsely declared as processed food products, 12,909 boxes of carrots arrived on March 22 and March 25 under one consignee, who has been blacklisted from importing products.

Charges under food safety and agricultural regulations are being prepared by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Bureau of Plant Industry.

Smuggled vegetables can inflict serious damage on local producers by depressing market prices and creating unfair competition, the DA warned.

“If it comes out on the market, they can sell it cheaper, which means they can kill the business of our local farmers, or possibly the local farmers can’t sell anymore because the smuggled goods are cheaper. Our farmers can’t compete because first of all, they don’t pay any duties,” DA Assistant Secretary Willie Ann Angsiy said.