Manila: Senator Francis Pangilinan revealed that smuggled agricultural products seized in two 40-foot container vans in October tested positive for salmonella, rendering them unfit for human consumption and posing a risk to consumer health.

According to Philippines News Agency, the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) detected salmonella in samples taken from PHP12.96 million worth of smuggled chicken breast fillet from China at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). Pangilinan stated that the illegal entry of agricultural products into the country compromises food safety and poses health hazards to consumers.

Furthermore, Pangilinan highlighted that these smuggled frozen chicken parts undermine the local poultry industry by flooding the market with cheap, unsafe poultry products from overseas. He described the situation as a crime not only against the economy but also against the health and dignity of Filipinos. He emphasized the ongoing struggles of farmers and fisherfolk due to the influx of these smuggled products from China.

Pangilinan, alongside Bureau of Customs Deputy Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla, conducted an inspection of the two containers of misdeclared goods at the MICP on October 27. The shipments, initially declared to contain 5,300 cartons of fish balls, were found to include sacks of frozen chicken breasts valued at PHP12.96 million. Pangilinan previously cited intelligence reports indicating that all the smuggled agricultural products originate from China.