Government closes Valenzuela flour mill

MANILA, Philippines - Government authorities closed down a flour mill in Valenzuela City after it was found to be operating without a license and permit from the Office of the Mayor.

Policemen padlocked the Marco Polo Flour Mill (MPFM) at Rincon Compound after seizing milling equipment, a delivery truck and flour products.

Food and Drug Administration director Nazarita Tacandong said MPFM has no license to operate, and that the FDA has issued a cease and desist order to MPFM after the firm failed to get the agency’s approval for its products.

The Valenzuela City business permit and licensing office also ordered MPFM to stop operations last Nov. 9 for operating without a mayor’s permit.

The Philippine Association of Flour Millers (PAFMIL) earlier brought MPFM’s operations to the attention of the FDA and the Department of Trade and Industry after finding out that MPFM’s products were being sold in markets.

PAFMIL asked bakeries and consumers to buy flour only from legitimate flour mills – those operating with permits and licenses issued by the FDA and local government authorities.