Authorities seized more than P2.2 million worth of alleged unregistered food products, including palm/refined cooking oil and soy sauce, during a law enforcement operation in Barangay Zone V, Poblacion, Sogod, Southern Leyte on 3 August.

According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), personnel from its Southern Leyte Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regional Field Office 8, carried out the operation for alleged violations of Republic Act 3720, or the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended, and Republic Act 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009.

The operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the confiscation of unregistered food products with an estimated value of P2,244,720.

A report submitted to CIDG Director PMGen. Robert A.A. Morico II said the two suspects — a man and a woman, both of legal age — were allegedly caught selling cooking oil and soy sauce without the required certification and registration from the FDA, making the products unauthorized for distribution and sale.

Morico emphasized that under Republic Act 9711, the manufacture, importation, sale, distribution, or transfer of health and food products without the necessary FDA registration and authorization is prohibited.

He added that the distribution and sale of unregistered cooking oil and soy sauce circumvent government food safety standards. Since the products have not undergone the FDA’s evaluation process, their quality and safety cannot be guaranteed.

The CIDG commended Lt. Col. Ian N. Datiles, officer-in-charge of CIDG Regional Field Unit 8, and the CIDG Southern Leyte Provincial Field Unit, headed by Capt. Norberto B. Saboriendo for the successful operation.

The agency said the seizure underscores its commitment to curbing the illegal trade of consumer products and protecting public health.