SINAG reports imported formalin-soaked carrots
ROSALES—The chairman of an agricultural alliance called on the Aquino government to form a joint task group to check on smuggled vegetables like carrots, reportedly soaked in formalin for longer shelf life that could endanger the consumers’ health.
Engr. Rosendo So of the Samahan ng Industriyang Agrikultura (SINAG) said smuggled carrots which are big in size, clean in appearance, with no stalk and with longer shelf life, are reportedly soaked in formalin to preserve its state.
He said while Senate investigation is going on about expired meat that are also smuggled into the country, his group will also ask the Senate Committee on Food Safety to add carrots and other vegetables to the agenda.
The problem on imported carrots arose after Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan complained about sudden decrease of its farmgate price as imported smuggled vegetable goods continue to reach local markets.
Reports gathered by So from the United Nations Committee on Trade (UN ComTrade) showed that there were 350,775 kilos of carrots that were exported to the Philippines last year. But only 12,133 kilos were reflected in Bureau of Customs records.
“So there’s a big difference of 338,642 kilos smuggled,” So said.
So said other vegetables like broccoli, which is also bigger in size, are also sold in some local markets.
“They are only changing the commodities they smuggle but the ones behind or the key players are the same,” he said. (Tita Roces)
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