Thirteen men were arrested after authorities seized an estimated P1.7 million worth of alleged unregistered cooking oil during an operation in Barangay Tungkop, Minglanilla, Cebu on July 9.
The operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cebu Field Unit in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Authorities confiscated 320 containers of alleged adulterated, unlabeled and unregistered cooking oil, which investigators said violated Republic Act No. 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009.
According to the investigation, the suspects were allegedly caught repacking misbranded and unlabeled cooking oil during the operation.
Investigators also said the individuals failed to present a valid License to Operate issued by the FDA.
The FDA warned that the sale of food products that have not undergone its evaluation poses a potential risk to public health because their quality, safety and sanitation cannot be assured.
Authorities said products that are not registered with the FDA do not undergo the agency’s required regulatory assessment before being distributed to consumers.
The seized cooking oil will form part of the evidence in the case against the suspects, according to investigators.
The CIDG said it will continue operations targeting the illegal trade of products that may endanger consumers.
Officials urged businesses involved in the manufacture, repacking and distribution of food products to comply with FDA regulations and secure the necessary permits before selling their products.
The agency also reminded the public to purchase food items only from legitimate sources and to check whether products are properly labeled and registered with the FDA before buying them.
