'Iba ang lasa?': CIDG seizes fake seasoning products in Davao del Sur buy-bust
CIDG operatives inspect the alleged fake seasoning products seized during a raid in Digos City. (photo: CIDG)
If you would notice that the food you are cooking seems to be lacking the magically delicious taste after sprinkling it with that flavor enhancing powder, you probably bought the wrong, err, fake seasoning.
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) confiscated around P157,000 worth of two seasoning brands, both are popular among Filipinos, in a raid in Davao del Sur following the arrest of its seller.
CIDG director Romeo J. Macapaz said the suspect was confirmed to be selling Magic Sarap and Ajinomoto food seasoning products during the operation in Barangay Upper Igpit in Digos City on July 12.
“The arrest of this person significantly prevented the harm and health risk that these products may cause to the consumers,” said Macapaz.
“The state protects consumer interests, promotes general welfare, establishes standards of conduct for business and industry, and ensures a safe and high-quality supply of food and drugs by regulating their production, sale, and distribution to protect public health. Since these alleged counterfeit products have not gone through an evaluation process, their quality and safety cannot be assured,” he added.
Citing a report from his men on the ground, Macapaz said the operation was carried out in coordination with the companies that own the two products through a buy-bust.
He said the suspect was arrested while trading and selling alleged counterfeit food seasoning products.
Macapaz said the arrested suspect is now facing cases of violations of Republic Act 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines), Republic Act 3720 (Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act), and Republic Act 7394 (Consumer Act of the Philippines).