MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation–National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) seized around P2 million worth of alleged counterfeit food enhancers during a raid on a warehouse in Malolos, Bulacan.
The operation, carried out on August 3, stemmed from a complaint filed by the trademark owner’s legal representative after receiving reports that fake seasoning granules were being sold in the market.
According to Atty. Emeterio Dongallo, NBI agents first conducted surveillance and a test-buy operation before securing a search warrant.
“Nagkaroon tayo ng surveillance at test-buy. Pina-check natin sa owner, sa kanilang mga technician at chemists, at nakumpirma na counterfeit ang mga produkto. Kaya agad tayong kumuha ng search warrant,” he said.
During the raid, agents found 22,860 bundles or 381 boxes of suspected fake MAGGI Magic Sarap products inside the warehouse.
Dongallo said the seized products would undergo laboratory examination, although samples obtained during the test-buy had already been confirmed as counterfeit.
The NBI urged consumers to be cautious, especially when buying food products being sold at unusually low prices.
“Mas murang di hamak kaysa sa nasa merkado kaya naaakit ang mga mamimili. Dahil mabenta ang produktong ito, ito rin ang madalas na ginagaya,” Dongallo said.
Investigators said the fake products were allegedly distributed to wholesalers and market stalls, with some also sold online.
The NBI said counterfeit food products could pose serious health risks because their ingredients have not undergone proper safety checks.
“Hindi natin alam ang mga kemikal na ginamit dahil hindi ito dumaan sa pagsusuri ng FDA. Maaaring magdulot ito ng sakit o masamang epekto sa kalusugan,” Dongallo said.
“Hindi na ang expiration ang issue rito. Ang pinakamahalaga, counterfeit ang produkto. Kung peke ito, hindi dapat ikonsumo.”
The NBI is preparing to file trademark infringement and Unfair competition charges against the owners of the establishment before the Malolos City Prosecutor’s Office.
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